Blood Glucose Meter and Diabetes Supply Products for Diabetes Education - Exercise and Diabetes - Medical / Health Care
Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, and it’s especially important for people with diabetes. Exercise does not necessarily mean running a marathon or bench-pressing 300 pounds. The goal is to get active and stay active by doing things you enjoy, from gardening to playing tennis to walking with friends. Benefits of exercise include: lower blood glucose levels, better insulin use, weight loss and retention, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, and lower risk of heart attack.
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At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended. If you cannot do 30 minutes all at once, break it up into 2 or 3 “mini” sessions. Always start with a 5 minute stretching warm-up and end with a 5-10 minute cool-down. There are three types of exercise:
Aerobic exercise
- The best type of exercise for your heart and lungs
- Activities such as; walking, swimming, biking, dancing, and water aerobics
Strength training exercise
- Builds muscle and helps you lose weight easier
- Helps maintain bone density
- Lifting weights
Stretching exercise
- This type helps prevent injury and keeps you flexible
Getting start on an exercise program
Before starting an exercise program, consult with your doctor. Try to combine all three types of exercise, stretching, strength, and aerobics into your program. Start slowly. Set goals. Keep an exercise log. Do not let yourself get discouraged. If you miss some days, get back into your routine as soon as possible.
Some helpful tips to staying motivated are:
- Exercise with a friend
- Join an exercise class
- Work out at a gym
- Use a pedometer to see how far you walk
- Reward yourself when you meet certain goals
