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Exercise for Diabetes

Regular exercise is essential to the healthy management of diabetes. Exercise helps control diabetes by improving the body's secretion of insulin, improving muscle strength, burning excess body fat and increasing bone density and strength.

As insulin is released from the pancreas, the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood increases. Insulin stimulates the liver and prompts it to take in excess glucose. This lowers blood sugar levels. The combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and prescribed medicine will help control your blood sugar level and, as a result, your weight.

  1. Aerobic Exercise

    • Regular aerobic exercise works to increase your heart rate, build stronger muscles, and strengthen your lungs. The recommended amount of aerobic exercise for a normal adult is 30 minutes once a day five times a week. Begin with 5 to 10 minutes a day if you haven't been active for awhile and build up to 30 minutes. You can also get 30 minutes by splitting up your activity -- a brisk 10-minute walk after each meal or 15 minutes of exercise in the morning and 15 at night.

      Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

    Stretching for Flexibility

    • Flexibility exercises reduce your chances of injury during other aerobic activities and help keep your joints young and supple. Before embarking on any aerobic exercise, warm the body up by gently stretching for 5 to 10 minutes. Yoga is a wonderful way to get both aerobic and flexibility benefits in one package.

    Weight LIfting

    • Strength training helps maintain strong muscles, keeps your bones healthy and will makes everyday activities like lifting your child an easier task. Aim for a weight-lifting session three times a week for 15 minutes. This can be at your local gym or as simple as lifting weights in your living room.

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