Living with diabetes requires a thoughtful and practical approach to staying healthy, and regular exercise is a key part of that plan. Exercise not only helps control blood sugar levels but also has positive effects on your heart, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. In this article, we'll explore an exercise routine tailored for people with diabetes, making it easy to follow and backed by common-sense science.
Before starting any exercise program:
It's important to talk to your healthcare team before diving into a new exercise routine. They can make sure it suits your health needs and helps manage your diabetes effectively.
Components of a Diabetes-Friendly Exercise Routine with Easy Recommendations:
Aerobic Exercise and Better Blood Sugar Control:
Easy Recommendation: Take a brisk walk or go cycling for about 30 minutes, five days a week.
Why: Moving your body this way helps your muscles use glucose better and keeps your blood sugar levels in check.
Strength Training and Stronger Muscles:
Easy Recommendation: Do simple strength exercises like squats, lunges, and bicep curls two to three times a week. I recommend starting with 3 sets of 10 of each exercise. It should feel challenging, but easy enough that it doesn’t compromise your form. If you can’t lift 10, then you should go down in weight. If you can lift more than 12 you should go up in weight.
Why: Building strength in your muscles helps your body use insulin more efficiently, which is great for managing diabetes.
Flexibility and Stress Reduction:
Easy Recommendation: Try yoga or tai chi sessions lasting 20-30 minutes, a few times a week. Even simple daily stretches can make a difference in your life.
Why: These activities help your body relax and reduce stress, which is good for your overall health and diabetes management.
Interval Training for Energy Boost:
Easy Recommendation: Include short bursts of intense activities like sprinting or cycling for 20 minutes, twice a week. If you don’t have the energy for something like that, here are some exercises you can do in your home.
Jumping jacks, jump lunges, bodyweight squats, mountain climbers, burpees, high knees or butt kicks.
Why: This type of exercise improves how your body uses insulin and boosts your energy levels.
Checking Blood Sugar Levels:
Easy Recommendation: Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise. Adjust your insulin and snacks accordingly.
Why: It helps you understand how different exercises affect your blood sugar and allows you to make smart adjustments.
Hydration and Healthy Snacking:
Easy Recommendation: Drink water during and after exercise, and have a balanced snack with protein and carbs afterward. Here are some recommendations for a post workout snack:
Greek yogurt with berries, banana with nut butter, chocolate milk, whole grain toast with avocado or hummus and whole wheat pita.
Why: Staying hydrated and having a good snack helps your muscles recover and keeps your blood sugar stable.
Consistency and Gradual Progress:
Easy Recommendation: Start with 20 minutes of moderate exercise and slowly increase time and intensity.
Why: Making exercise a regular habit, even if it's short, helps your body adapt and get stronger over time.
By keeping it simple and following these easy recommendations, you can create a personalized exercise routine that makes managing diabetes a little easier. With a practical approach backed by common-sense science, you'll be on your way to better health and well-being.