Why is Exercise Important in Patients with Diabetes?
Exercise is a very important part of getting blood sugars under control and one that is often overlooked, put aside or not done at all.
The American Diabetes Association exercise recommendations are:
- For most adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: 150 or more minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity over at least 3 days per week with no more than 2 consecutive days without exercise.
- Shorter durations (minimum 75 min/week) of vigorous-intensity or interval training may be sufficient for younger and more physically fit individuals.
- Adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should perform resistance training in 2-3 sessions/week on nonconsecutive days.
What if You Don’t Exercise but Want to Start?
For those who do not exercise at all but want to start, it is important to start slowly and safe. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
It is important to start by being more active, slowly adding exercise like walking. The key is to be less sedentary and start moving more.
Start by Moving More
Research found that sitting too much for long periods of time is harmful to our health especially related to heart health, mental health and increased risk for becoming disabled.
Just getting up once every 30 minutes to stretch or walk around the house or workplace is better than sitting for hours. Take every opportunity you can to get up and move.
If you don’t exercise at all, getting motivated is half the battle. Once you start being more active, you’ll find that it isn’t as hard to keep going — you’ll feel better and have more energy.
Aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises/stretching, balance exercises, and activity throughout the day are the types of activities recommend for people with diabetes.
Exercise should be part of your Diabetes Action Plan and you can make it one of your Health goals.
