Exercise & Diabetes

One of the best ways we can control diabetes is with a regular exercise program. Although it’s often the last thing we feel like doing, physical activity helps the body respond to insulin as well as being a proven method of reducing blood glucose. It can even eliminate the need for medication completely in Type 2 diabetes!

Frequent exercise not only combats stress and fatigue, keeping glucose levels down, but also improves the circulatory problems suffered by many diabetics and can lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed, or are overweight, it’s advisable to seek professional help before you begin exercising, and your doctor should be able to tell you what level of exertion to aim for, as well as any potential complications which may arise. Also ask what kind of exercise is right for you; if you have problems with your feet consider riding a bike or swimming rather than walking or jogging.

Here are a few tips on getting started:

• Always wear comfortable clothing. If you’re jogging or walking, buy well made shoes and wear them in before heading off.
• Warm up with a series of stretches and warm down with the same when you finish.
• Always carry a snack or glucose tablets to treat hypoglycaemia.
• Wear an ID bracelet with details of your condition, in case of injury or any other problem.
• Try and find somebody to exercise with, it’ll make the whole process more enjoyable and help you stick to your new routine.

Diabetics should always try and exercise at the same time every day, making the activity part of a regular routine and gradually building up the amount of time they are active. Remember, it’s important to start slowly and build up your new regime over time.