Besides ensuring they are eating properly, I always advise my diabetic patients to stay active. Physical activity provides great benefits to people with diabetes and those at risk of becoming diabetic.
Staying active helps you achieve four important goals:
- Improves your blood sugar control. Being active allows the insulin produced by your body to work better, which helps stabilize your blood sugar levels.
- Improves your health. Exercise can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two factors that are linked to the risk of heart disease.
- Helps you get and stay fit. When we exercise, we burn calories and may lose weight (or maintain a healthy weight), which is important for our overall fitness.
- Makes you feel better. Exercise helps us sleep better, manage stress and combat depression.
What kinds of activities can you do?
All exercise is great. Walking with your dog, bicycling, Pilates and Zumba are just a few ideas, and there are plenty of ways to get motivated to be active. The important thing is to choose an activity you enjoy and vary your routine to avoid getting bored. Don’t forget that physical activity can be any type of movement that lets your body burn energy.
What to keep in mind
- Before starting any exercise routine, consult with your doctor. If you’re taking insulin or similar medications that lower your blood sugar, talk to your doctor about how to take these medicines when you work out.
- Check your blood sugar before you exercise and keep a diary of your blood sugar levels before and after your workouts. Also, check your blood sugar during your workout if you’re exercising for more than 45 minutes. Your goal is to keep to the levels recommended by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that fit well, and socks that don’t irritate your feet.
- Drink plenty of water.
Choose a physical activity that you like and enjoy the many benefits of an active lifestyle!
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