How to Run With Diabetes

If you have diabetes it is important to stay active and live a health lifestyle. Exercise, such as running, can help lower blood glucose levels, blood pressure, your risk for heart disease and more. All types of exercise can be beneficial but we will focus on a particular aerobic exercise, running.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton Socks
• Running Shoes specific to your feet and running style

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Instructions

• 1

  It is important to talk to your doctor to help you decide when to run throughout the day.

  If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose level is too high and insulin too low, you most likely will have the presence of ketones. If you run while you have ketones in your blood or urine your blood glucose level may go higher and you may feel sick.

  If you have type 2 diabetes you do not have ketones and exercise may lower your blood glucose level if it is too high.

• 2

  For some individuals with diabetes, there may be nerve damage that can make their feet numb. Make sure to run in comfortable, cotton socks. This will help decrease the chance of blisters and other sores.

• 3

  You should purchase shoes specific to running and it may be beneficial to speak with a shoe specialist to find the proper type of running shoe specific to your foot structure and the way you run.

• 4

  It is important to warm up and stretch before any exercise to help reduce the risk of injury. It is recommended to warm up for at least 5 minutes to make sure you have enough blood flowing to your muscles before your run.

• 5

  Be sure to pay attention to your body while running. Do not push yourself if you are feeling dizzy or nauseous. You should move up to longer distances and increase your speed as you become stronger.

• 6

  It is important to let your muscles cool down gradually to help reduce injury. Try walking for a few minutes, gradually decreasing your speed and intensity.

• 7

  Check your feet for any sores or blisters. If your feet are numb from any nerve damage, it is important to catch any problems before they turn into something serious.