Exercise and the Diabetic- “Exercise for diabetics can help one a great deal. However, exercise as therapy must be used with caution; else it could have a deleterious effect on the diabetic,” says Dr Jose Duarte, Professor in Sports Medicine from Porto University, Portugal. Excerpts from the interview Tell me something about the prevalence of diabetes in Portugal

Well it is quite high, with almost 8 per cent of individuals being diabetic, and another 15-17 per cent of individuals having symptoms of diabetes. In Goa too with the lifestyle and food, I am sure that the percentage of diabetes is also high.
Are there any restrictions to exercise for diabetics?
Certainly. Exercise is not recommended in Type 1 Diabetes when there are insulin peaks. Further, when the blood glucose is less than 90mg/dl or above 150 mg/dl, exercise is not recommended. Also localised exercises are not recommended. If a patient is suffering from diabetic retinopathy, then touch sports must be avoided and in the case of naturapathy, exercise must be avoided on account of the sweat factor.
How much of exercise is recommended for a diabetic
There should be a balance between physical activity and the medication he/she is taking. The patient is told by the doctor concerned how much and what type of physical activities he can indulge in, and then it is left to the person providing the exercise to monitor the patient’s physical activities.
Can diabetes be cured through exercise?
Exercise is more of a preventive measure than a curative method. I see many young children who are very obese in Goa as well as in Portugal. These children ought to exercise at a young age, as later it could be disastrous for their wellbeing.
What is the message that you wish to impart to the community of Goa
Be aware of the risk factors. Exercise has to regulated as per the need of the individual and as per the doctors advice in the case of diabetics. What I would suggest is that one must try and live a healthy life –do not indulge in soft drinks, chocolates or cakes, and be active. Prevention is always better than cure.