How diabetics improve their memory through sport

I. The relationship between diabetes and memory

Diabetes is a complex chronic disease, and the persistence of high blood sugar can cause damage to organs and systems of the body. In the nervous system, it may affect the normal functioning of the cerebral vessels, leading to reduced brain blood flow, neurocell metabolic abnormalities, etc. These changes interfere with the transmission of neural signals, thus affecting memory and cognitive functions. Long-term high blood sugar-induced oxidizing stress and inflammation also accelerates neurocell damage and aging, making patients more vulnerable to memory loss.

II. Motion principles for improved memory of diabetes patients

(i) Improved blood circulation

Sport can contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system and make the heart pump stronger. For diabetics, this means that there is a better supply of blood in the brain. For example, aerobic motion can improve heart rate, speed blood circulation, smoother access to the brain for oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood, provide a good metabolic environment for neurons and help to maintain their normal functioning, thus improving memory.

(ii) Regulating neurotransmitters

Sport can stimulate brain genre neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, etc. Dopamine is associated with reward mechanisms and attention in the brain, and serotonin regulates emotions and sleep. The balance of these neurotransmitters helps to increase brain excitement and reaction, strengthens the connection between neurons, and makes the transmission of information more efficient and has a positive impact on memory improvement.

(iii) Inflammation response

Diabetes patients tend to have chronic inflammation, and sports are resistant to inflammation. Regular motion reduces the level of inflammation factors in the body and reduces the damage to nervous cells caused by inflammation. Sports such as jogging, swimming and so forth can inhibit the activation of inflammation signals, protect the brain from inflammation and, in turn, preserve the health of the memory-related brain.

(iv) Promotion of neuroplasticity

Sport can contribute to the neuroplasticity of the brain, i.e. its ability to change its structure and function according to its environment and experience. Through motion, the brain can generate new neurons, especially in areas closely related to memory, such as the hippos. This increase in neuroregentity and synaptic plasticity provides a biological basis for memory improvement.

III. Motion methods for improving memory for diabetics

(i) Aerobic motion

1. Move!

It’s a simple aerobic mode of movement. Diabetes patients can keep moving for more than 30 minutes per day at a rate of about 100 – 120 steps per minute. As we move, the blood cycle of the body accelerates and the brain is able to obtain more oxygen. At the same time, walking can activate multiple areas of the brain and enhance its overall function. Patients can choose to leave in beautiful, fresh air, parks and small areas.

2. jogging

A jogging is a very good sport choice for a diabetic patient whose physical condition allows. There can be 3 – 5 joggings per week for 20 – 30 minutes each. When jogging, the heart rate increases appropriately and the increase in brain blood flow is more pronounced. At the start of the jogging, be careful to control speed and rhythm and avoid overtire. It can begin with short distances and slow speeds, gradually increasing motor strength.

3. Swimming

Swimming is a full-body exercise with low joint pressure and is suitable for most diabetes patients. In the water, body float reduces the weight burden on joints. Swimming allows for the exercise of all muscles and promotes blood circulation. Patients can swim two to three times a week for about 30 minutes each. Different bathing positions allow for the exercise of different muscle groups, and changing swimming positions enhances the fun of sports.

(ii) Force training

1. Raise weight or use dumb bells

Moderate force training helps to increase muscle mass and basic metabolic rates. Diabetes patients can use a lighter dumb bell for simple arm force training, such as bending, side lift, etc., with 2 – 3 groups, 8 – 12 times each. These actions enhance upper limb muscle strength and, in the course of training, produce a range of adaptive changes in the body, including an irritation of the nervous system, which helps to improve memory.

2. Legion force training

Crouching is an effective way of training leg strength. The patient’s feet are wide with his shoulder, slowly down, with his knees remaining below his toes and then up. 2 – 3 groups per day, 10 – 15 times each. Leg force training not only enhances the muscles of the leg, but also promotes the functional improvement of the brain by means of a neuroreflective mechanism, as there is a close neurological link between the movement of the muscles of the leg and the brain.

(iii) Balanced and coordinated training

Tai Chi Boxing

Tai Chi boxing combines slowness, fluidity and body balance and coordination. Diabetes patients practice Tai Chi, which enhances their body ‘ s ability to balance and coordinate, requiring a combination of systems such as brain, eye, muscle, etc. In the course of the exercise, the brain continues to receive and process information from various parts of the body, facilitating connections between neurons and the transmission of information. Patients are able to attend the community Tai Chi boxing courses, which are conducted three to five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each.

2. Stand on one foot

One foot stand is a simple balancing training method. Patients can exercise at home several times a day on one foot, 30 – 60 seconds a time, and repeat their feet. As practice progresses, it can gradually increase standing time or try to stand one-legged, further challenging the ability to balance, stimulating brain-related areas, enhancing body control and perception and contributing to memory enhancement.

IV. Attention to sport

(i) Campaign preparation

Diabetes patients must be prepared for work before they exercise. First, if blood sugar is too high ( > 16.7 mmol/L) or too low ( < 3.9 mmol/L) to check for blood sugar, it needs to be adjusted before moving. Second, the choice of appropriate sneakers and sports clothing ensures comfort and safety in the exercise. Appropriate warm-up activities, such as movement joints, runaways, etc., are also required for approximately 5 – 10 minutes to prevent physical damage.

(ii) Campaign monitoring

In the exercise, care is taken about the physical reaction. In the event of disorders such as panic, sweat and dizziness, the exercise should be stopped immediately and blood sugar measured. In the case of low blood sugar, sugar-containing foods are replenished in a timely manner. At the same time, care needs to be taken to maintain the appropriate level of mobility and to avoid excessive fatigue. The strength of the movement can be monitored by a heart rate, which is generally recommended at around 60 – 75 per cent of the maximum heart rate (220 – age).

(iii) Post-motion adjustment

After the exercise, do not immediately stop, but carry out 5-10 minutes of relaxation, such as slow walking, stretching, etc., to help the body recover from its state of motion to its state of calm. The stretch eases muscle stress and reduces post-motion acidity. In addition, hydrolytics and appropriate electrolytes are replenished in a timely manner after the exercise to maintain the body ‘ s water and electrolyte balance. At the same time, care should be taken to check for haematoma and bubbles and to prevent complications such as diabetes.

In short, sport plays an important role in improving the memory of people with diabetes. By choosing a sports approach that is appropriate for themselves, and by paying attention to issues before and after the exercise, diabetes patients can improve their quality of life by improving their memory and cognitive function while controlling blood sugar.

Diabetes