Mr. Kim (68), who is suffering from chronic renal failure due to diabetes complications, has been exercising by hiking or running on a treadmill for two hours a day since he was diagnosed with renal failure three years ago. However, now that he is older, exercising makes him tired and exhausted. During his hospital visit, Mr. Kim said, "My HbA1c is well controlled at 6.4, and I only take insulin once in the morning," and asked, "Can I reduce the intensity of my exercise now?" The doctor responded, "When using insulin and maintaining good blood sugar control, excessive exercise can actually increase the risk of hypoglycemia," and said, "It's okay to reduce the amount of exercise a little."

For diabetic patients, preventing hypoglycemia is as important as preventing hyperglycemia. In Mr. Kim's case, considering his kidney complications and age, careful attention is needed to ensure that excessive exercise does not lead to hypoglycemia. When exercise becomes too strenuous, it can be compensated by reducing the duration or intensity of the activity, adjusting meal portions, or consulting with a doctor to modify medication.

 

Especially for elderly diabetic patients, it is better to adjust the intensity of exercise by doing knee lifts or marching in place while watching TV indoors, or lifting light dumbbells, rather than engaging in strenuous activities like mountain climbing or gym workouts.

 

You can walk around inside the house or use indoor exercise equipment such as a stationary bicycle.

 

Generally, diabetic patients are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

 

Moderate intensity exercise refers to a state where the heart rate slightly increases or breathing becomes somewhat labored.

 

I am short of breath, but I can still talk to the person next to me at a manageable level.

 

It is important to do it at least three days a week and not to rest for more than two consecutive days.

 

Meanwhile, some patients think that wearing an insulin pump means they don't have to exercise. While using an insulin pump offers the advantage of more flexible blood sugar control according to lifestyle patterns and blood glucose trends, it does not solve everything. Wearing it does not mean you can eat less strictly or exercise less.

 

============

Rather than high-intensity exercise

Variable indoor exercises or walking are also helpful.