Especially when it comes to your health - it is best to get facts checked by experts. So we spoke to Jayashree Salian, a Diabetes Care Expert at Wellthy Therapeutics, who helped us debunk common myths about exercising.
Myth 1: If you exercise regularly, you don’t need to follow a healthy diet
Fact: Both exercise and a balanced diet are required to lead a healthier life. You can’t eat what you love (read junk) and hope that exercising will balance it out. An unhealthy diet increases the risk of conditions such as hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, etc. While exercising can help you in managing these conditions, it sure can’t make up for following an unhealthy diet.
Don’t forget, unhealthy food will spike your blood sugar levels, whether you exercise or not. So don’t let exercise be an excuse to binge eat junk food.
Myth 2: Exercising puts you at risk for low blood sugar or hypoglycemia
Fact: For people living with diabetes, it is advisable to be prepared for emergencies like a hypoglycemic episode. Also, make it a habit to carry a sachet of powdered sugar or a cube of dark chocolate while working out. Apart from that - have a carb-rich meal before working out and a protein-rich meal after to avoid the possibility of a low blood sugar episode.
PS: This tip of having a carb-rich meal before workouts and a protein-rich meal is good to follow even for people who don’t have diabetes.
Myth 3: If you want good results, you need to work out a LOT!
Fact: No way! Too much of anything is bad - even exercising. Don’t exhaust yourself. Talk to your doctor before starting any new routine and make sure that you get an excellent instructor if needed.
Myth 4: Sport is a big no-no for people with diabetes
Fact: Sports or gym - exercising is necessary for improving blood sugar control and general health. It improves your metabolism and insulin sensitivity, no matter the form of the exercise.
