Why Exercise?

Perhaps, it’s time to focus back on the reasons for exercising when you have diabetes. First, before you start any exercise program, discuss your plans with your doctor or diabetes educator so that any necessary insulin and/or medications can be adjusted, if necessary, for your increased physical activity.

Exercise is good for your diabetes, your general health, your heart, your mood, and your confidence. We’re not talking strenuous aerobics, using a cross-country ski machine, or working out at a health club here, just a few minutes of increased physical activity rather than watching TV and thinking about exercising. You hardly have to break into a sweat. Ridiculous? Not at all; the latest studies show major health benefits from exercise so modest that it doesn’t even feel like a "workout."

Besides significantly decreasing insulin resistance, making it easier to control your blood sugar levels with less insulin and/or medications, even modest exercise can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. Other benefits include better weight control, increased sexual desire and pleasure, better memory, less risk of colds, and better sleep and less insomnia. Moderate exercise has also been proven to help replace the nicotine high of smoking, making it easier to cut down or stop smoking. Since exercise moves major joints through their full range of motion, exercise can be beneficial in the management of arthritis.

Adding Physical Activity to Your Daily Life

• Take a walk--as little as 20 minutes a day of brisk walking adds up at week’s end. Walking can keep blood sugar levels under better control and helps prevent bone-thinning osteoporosis Add walking downstairs and park your car a few blocks away from the mall, church, office, or friends’ home. When you’re ready, try walking up stairs; go only half way at first and work up to climbing all the way. Take a walk before lunch; you’ll eat less and will suffer less from mid-afternoon "slump." Keep a pair of walking shoes at work for walks at lunch or break time.
• Instead of meeting the gang for coffee and doughnuts, make a date to take walks, go for a bike ride, or go dancing.
• What else can you do? Walk a little more briskly when shopping; stretch, bend, and lift a little more when doing work around the house or apartment. Washing floors, vigorous sweeping and vacuuming, and other household chores can add up quickly (see chart below). Play with your child, grandchild, or pet. If you’re a grandparent, offer to walk the baby. Pushing the little one in a stroller is a great exercise and allows you to "show off" your "little angel." Take an older child to the park and push them on the swings and merry-go-round. Play a game of tag.
• Start out slowly and increase your activity as your body adjusts. It takes about eight weeks to start feeling the physical and emotional changes of exercise, longer if weight loss is your goal. Only do things that are fun; find a buddy and exercise together. Vary your exercise so you don’t get bored.
• Moderate exercise will make you feel better able to cope with tension and stress. It creates self-confidence which boosts self-esteem. Endorphins released by exercise have an antidepressant effect

If you use insulin, don’t exercise when your insulin is peaking; a muscle exercising absorbs insulin faster than muscle at rest. Ideally, wait an hour to exercise after injecting insulin. Everyone should drink fluids during and after exercise.

Calories Used by Daily Activities--Based on a 150-Pound Person*

*Source: National Exercise for life Institute

Keep track of when and how long your exercise, along with your blood glucose control. You’re sure to see a change. And, don’t forget to have fun while you exercise!

Exercise Log