Question: Is it advisable for a kid with Diabetes to participate in adventure sports?
Answer: In general, diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, need not get in the way of exercise, sports competition or other adventure sports like trekking, running marathons, triathlon or long distance cycling, mountain climbing, hang-gliding or wind surfing.
Exercises are generally good for everyone including a diabetic. A kid with diabetes benefits from exercises including adventure sports through:
1. Better health for life
2. Greater physical abilities
3. Better response to insulin and better blood sugar control
4. Weight management
among other things.
You need to talk to the Diabetologist before a kid starts on a new exercise or undertaks any adventure sports. The doctor is likely to prescribe certain precautions in case of adventure sports like trekking, scuba diving, mountain climbing, etc.
When a person with diabetes exercises, (s)he may experience either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
A kid with diabetes may have check their blood sugar levels regularly during exercise and pack some extra snacks to prevent low blood sugar levels. Also, the doctor may recommend a reduced insulin dosage for the kid starting on a rigorous or strenuous exercises.
A kid with Type 1 Diabetes should not exercise if enough insulin in not there in their blood. Because, substances known Ketones will show up in the urine or blood. If the blood sugar shoots up due to lack of insulin, then it could lead to a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Tips to remember for kids with Diabetes before exercising:
1. Adjust blood testing schedules
2. Take insulin as per recommended schedule
3. Eat right
4. Bring snacks and water
5. Pack up diabetes related kit
6. Inform the coaches about your diabetes
7. Take control of your diabetes
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