November 23, 2009 10:34 AM

"Let's Get Physical" Call For Diabetics

Ummi Nadiah Rosli

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- For 67-year-old K.S Maniam who has diabetes since 15 years ago, a quarter hour of aerobics exercise a day works wonders for the management of this disease.

"Diabetes runs in my family", said Maniam who is the Malaysian Diabetes Association (PDM) assistant secretary-general.

"My brother died at 34 from diabetic complications and another brother had his leg amputated when he was 50, also due to diabetes.

"I would have to say bad diets as well as lack of exercises contributed to their health deterioration. I want to avoid from heading down the same road," he said.

With the lackasaidal attitude towards the disease and reluctance to change unhealthy eating habits as well as modern sedentary lifestyles, Maniam's concerns are valid as more Malaysians unknowingly are heading their way towards this disease.

ENDOCRINE DISEASE

Diabetes Mellitus is an endocrine disease in which the primary problem is the body's defective utilisation of the blood stream sugar causing the level to move up beyond the normal range of 3.5-6.5.

There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus namely the Type 1, known as juvenile diabetes (where the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar and other food into energy) and Type 2, which is the maturity onset diabetes (not enough production of insulin or the body cannot use the insulin properly).

PDM's statistics (based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey - NHMS) showed that 98 per cent of the some 1.2 million Malaysians with diabetes in 2006 were in the second category.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaysia is expected to have 2.48 million diabetics by the year 2030.

POOR DIET, LACK OF EXERCISE

Some risk factors, like genetics, are clearly out of our control against diabetes but others such as lack of exercise, poor diet and excess weight can be changed.

Diabetes affects the cells that form the walls of the blood vessels leading to a whole range of degenerative vascular changes, including heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and kidney failure.

Secondary effects of poor circulation, which are frequently seen in poorly controlled diabetes include skin infections, gangrene, retinal destruction leading blindness, loss of sensory nerve function in the extremities, and impotency.

Thus staying fit to increase good flow of blood circulation is the key to a healthier life.

Dr. Lingeshwaran Pillai, owner of 'Fitness Network' explained that exercise acted in two distinct ways to overcome diabetes.

He said exercises could rejuvenate the body's insulin production apart from the re-sensitisation of muscle and fat tissues to the body's own insulin.

According to Dr Pillai, aerobic exercises (low intensity workouts) and anaerobic exercises (energy is generated when there is insufficient flow of oxygen in the working muscles used during high intensity workouts) are powerful energy generators that help to restore a balanced metabolism.

Hence the regular practise of exercises is of paramount importance to diabetes from occuring.

He said the shortage of oxygen intake in the muscular system resulted in the the formation of lactic acid. When there is more lactic acid, then more hardening of the muscle tissues takes place and that is the reason why most diabetic patients appeared to be stiff, tired and dull.

SMART WAYS TO EXERCISE

Dr Pillai said the smart ways to exercise is of importance in today's lifestyle for diabetics.

"It's all about exercising with good knowledge," he said adding that it is to burn the calories either at fitness centres or getting involved in outdoor activities.

Meanwhile PDM secretary-general Datuk Rahimah Ahmad said the type of exercise for diabetics depends on their age. Rahimah said this when met at the 'Living Well with Diabetes' event held to encourage effective diabetic management.

She said apart from monitoring the blood glucose level and eating a balanced diet, exercise ensures that diabetics will not suffer from complications.

"Anything (exercise) will do, as long as you do it regularly three times a week. If you're an older patient, brisk walks, and going up stairs is a good form of workout. Jogging, swimming and other types of exercise are also recommended.

"I have diabetes for the past 20 years, and you can manage the disease well, live longer and delay the complications by making some lifestyle changes," she added.

HOLISTIC APPROACH NEEDED

However the fact is that many among the public are not taking the disease seriously.

"I thought it would never happen to me", said 41-year old Kevin who was at the same event. He is stricken with Type 2 diabetes for the past 11 years.

"Initially it was very difficult for me to make lifestyle changes, but I'm now getting used to it. Exercise is another side of the coin for diabetics.

"I go swimming and jogging, and have cut down to taking two meals a day, reduce sugar intake in my daily diet and avoid smoking and drinking. With good control of diet and exercise, diabetics can have a good quality life".

In its third consecutive year, the 'Living Well with Diabetes' campaign is a comprehensive approach through a fun-filled and educational event to emphasize the importance of diet, exercise and appropriate measures for good diabetic management.

Themed 'Race to Goal', the objective of this event is to drive home the message that diabetics need to keep their blood glucose levels within treatment goals.

-- BERNAMA

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