5 Benefits of Exercise for People with Diabetes

We know that exercise makes a big difference in our lives and exercise sometimes can be a 'loaded' word - kind of like saying "going to the gym." Anything that involves movement - getting around, and not just walking around your house, doing laundry but extended movement.

For someone with diabetes, the first thing you want to do is make sure that you speak with your doctor and your healthcare team to get approval, or at least some guidance around what's the right exercise for you. Especially if you're taking medication and/or insulin.

Next, track your blood sugar. So before you go out and exercise, and that can be hiking, biking, swimming, walking, going to the gym, working out with weights, whatever it is, check your blood sugar before, during and after you're finished.

The reason you want to do this is so that you can see where is your blood sugar. If it's too low, you want to make sure that you get it up a little bit higher. And if it's too high, you want to manage it down.

This also will give you information about how your body tolerates exercise. What things keep your blood sugar pretty steady and what things really cause it to crash or go high. Do you have to do that all the time? Probably not, but it's always a good idea to know where your blood sugar is when you're doing exercise.

Next, make sure that you're diligent about hydration. It is so easy to get dehydrated. In fact, if you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Finally, include aerobic activity, so you get that good lung action. A lot of in and out air, all that good stuff. Include strength training, and also include any activity that is going to really work the large muscle groups.

Benefits? First, this will increase your insulin sensitivity. Remember part of the problem with diabetes is that we become insulin resistant. Our cells don't want to take in the insulin to deal with reducing blood sugar. So it increases the insulin sensitivity.

Second, It helps control your blood sugar.

Third, It decreases the risk of heart disease and nerve damage helps to manage your weight.

Fourth, we know that with diabetes, sometimes all it takes is a very small amount, like losing 5% of your body weight, to improve your blood sugar. It's not going to get you into the non-diabetic place, but it gets you on the road there.

And fifth, exercise helps you feel good. You feel better. Your mind is clearer. You feel a bit more joyful, a little less achy, and sleep better.

Make sure you talk with your doctor first, measure your blood sugar, and just really be in tune with how you're feeling.

I invite you to download my free 30 day guide for managing or reversing your type two diabetes. I hope that you'll enjoy it. 

Thank you so much.

Dr. Elaine

Click here to download my Free 30 Day Guide to Managing or Reversing Your Type 2 Diabetes: https://www.drelainestewart.com/30-day-guide

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.