Diabetes and Exercise

Diabetes and Exercise are a great combination when it comes to controlling your blood sugar, and working out will help your body respond to insulin naturally! In many cases diabetes can be reversed with the proper exercise and diet! It can reduce the amount of medication you need to treat your type 2 diabetes, or even eliminate the need for medication altogether! Being active is one of the best ways to keep your blood glucose levels under control.

Approximately 80% of Type 2 diabetics are overweight. Exercise burns calories and will help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight - and an added bonus - it will make you feel better both mentally and physically!

Diabetes and exercise work together, but you should talk to your doctor before starting any fitness program. If you are on medication, talk to your doctor about which activities you should and should not do. Your health care provider’s advice will depend on your physical condition.

You will need to decide which exercises and activities you think you can do. Remember to start slowly and gradually work up to your exercise goals.

• AEROBIC EXERCISE - Any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up. Examples of good aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, aerobics class, riding a bicycle - anything that works your muscles while increasing your breathing and heart rate. Your goal is to work up to 30 minutes a day at least 3 days a week.

• STRENGTH TRAINING - Builds strong muscles and bones. You can lift weights at home, go to a health club, or take a class. You should try to do strength training several times a week.

• STRETCHING - Keeps your joints healthy and prevents injury during aerobic and strength training. Flexibility exercises are great warm-up and cool-down exercises.

In addition to regular exercise, the more active you are, the more energy you will have.

Walking is one of your best choices for exercise. It improves your blood circulation and mobility, it will help you lose weight and even helps reduce stress. Instead of parking in the closest parking spot at the store, park at the far end of the parking lot and walk. Climb the stairs rather than taking the elevator. Walk instead of taking the bus or driving.

Exercise will improve your circulation, which is extremely important to diabetics - especially in your arms and legs - It can help reduce your cholesterol and high blood pressure, which lead to heart attack or stroke – it can help reduce stress. Stress will raise your blood glucose level.

Diabetes and Exercise are a crucial combination if you are going to be successful managing your diabetes naturally!

Having diabetes and exercising can be a challenge. You need to pay close attention to your body. Don’t exercise if you are ill, have shortness of breath, your blood sugar level is over 300 mg/dl, you have ketones in your urine or if you are feeling pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs. Always have a snack, such as raisins or candy on hand to raise your blood glucose level if you need to.