Find Time to Exercise More With Diabetes

If you are facing a diagnosis of diabetes, have pre-diabetes, or are just simply looking for a way to get and feel more healthy, exercise is key.

The reality is that many people with diabetes have not made exercise a regular part of their lifestyle. Maybe its a demanding job. Children, pets and other responsibilities can make it feel like you don't have time to workout.

But that can easily change! Once you learn how to exercise more with diabetes, among the many potential benefits include sleeping better, experiencing less stress, lowering blood sugar levels, reducing risks of amputation or diminished eyesight, having more energy and an improved mood. Non-diabetics will enjoy the same advantages!

Exercise is important with diabetes. The trick is learning how to incorporate it into your daily lifestyle, especially if you are also overweight, feeling lethargic, overwhelmed, too young or too old, busy, and/or suffering from another illness or physical condition.

No matter your age, fitness level or medical condition, you should always consult your medical professional before starting a new exercise program.

If you have diabetes, the following concerns should be considered and addressed:

• Impact on blood glucose levels: strenuous exercise can actually cause a patient's blood sugar to rise (due to stress), or fall dramatically
• An eye exam will reveal any damage to retinas and/or eyesight that may impact athletic performance and safety
• Numbness in extremities, particularly feet, as a result of diabetes may require use of special socks/shoes and restriction from certain activities
• You should be weighed, obtain a recent A1c (average blood glucose levels), and review records of medication dosages and diet with your medical professional before embarking on a new exercise program

Be sure to discuss your plans and goals with respect to exercise with your doctor. He or she can provide advice specifically tailored to you and your lifestyle/history.

Diabetes may be difficult and time consuming to manage, but once you learn how to exercise more with diabetes, you will probably find that you sleep better and have more energy. In turn, you'll find more hours in the day!

One of the keys to starting and staying engaged in an exercise routine is to keep it simple. This may be difficult when you may be overwhelmed by managing diabetes.

Most people will be motivated to exercise when the time commitment is small and the cost is low (or free). For this reason, walking is a very simple exercise that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, no matter how busy you are.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Don't waste time looking for the "perfect" parking space. Take the first one you see and walk the extra 100-200 steps to the entrance. If I have a phone call to make, I like to multi-task by going for a walk while talking. Up and down the hall works. If its a nice day, the fresh air will help you clear your head.

Have a dog? Make regular, short walks 10-15 minutes twice a day, part of your routine. You'll both be happier with the exercise.

You don't need a gym membership or expensive shoes to take up walking. Set an easy goal to start (10 minutes each day), and work up gradually from there. Some people find it inspiring and motivating to count steps with a pedometer or one of the popular models of step-trackers that can be worn on the wrist. Set a reasonable goal for a number of steps each day (4000-5000 steps) and aim to increase the daily total each week.

Swimming and diabetes is another very easy exercise to implement. Most people know how to swim. Access to a public pool is usually inexpensive. Just grab a swimsuit and goggles, and go enjoy yourself. Exercise in a pool is so much fun, you probably won't even realize that you are working out.

As discussed below, home-based workouts are also inexpensive and convenient. Work in an extra 10+ minutes per day and you will be on your way to exercising more with diabetes. If you take away the labels "workout" or "exercise" and simply focus on moving your body more often each day, you will likely find yourself on the path toward better health without even thinking about it!

If you have diabetes, or are simply just crunched for time to exercise, owning your own home exercise equipment such as light weights and/or exercise DVDs may be the answer. When you don't have to factor in driving, parking, travel time, etc., you will probably be more likely to exercise more often and keep a regular habit.

Start and/or finish your day by setting aside an extra 10-15 minutes for exercise. No matter how busy your day is

But before you go buy exercise equipment or DVDs, consider simply using household items for strength training or cardio workouts. Take the stairs in your home, apartment complex or office complex, if possible. Use your own weight resistance to build muscle with push-ups, planks and ab curls.

Even cleaning the house vigorously twice a week or yard work can be an effective way to sneak in extra exercise!

I'm a Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic. Whenever I work in the house or yard for more than 20 minutes, I have to watch my blood glucose levels so I do not become hypoglycemic. A healthy, light snack about 30 minutes beforehand may prevent issues when exercising.

Finally, many people that do not enjoy exercising have found yoga to be the answer. You don't need to join a studio to get the benefits of yoga exercise. Beginner yoga DVDs take you through a variety of poses that will make you more flexible, stronger and even improve circulation and digestion - additional benefits for people with diabetes.