Those with a specific condition such as diabetes can reap added benefits when they exercise. If you are diabetic, you know the importance of maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Diabetes can negatively affect your blood circulation. Exercise helps improve blood circulation, maintain or lose weight and help lower your blood sugar level, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Seek physician approval before beginning any exercise regimen.
Walking
Walking can get your blood flowing by increasing your heart rate and breathing, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Taking a brisk walk can also help you burn calories that you've consumed throughout the day. FamilyDoctor.org considers walking as an aerobic exercise, but it's also low impact so it doesn't put a lot of stress on your bones and joints. If your diabetes has affected your feet or legs, wear thick socks and shoes that fit properly. This helps prevent friction on your feet and decrease risk of developing blisters or other sores on your feet. When a diabetic develops a break in the skin, the risk of developing an infection increases because the skin takes longer to heal.
Swimming
If you cannot perform exercises on land due to diabetic neuropathy or other medical conditions, swimming is a great alternative. Swimming allows you to burn calories while getting an aerobic workout, but it doesn't cause additional problems such as blisters or sores that walking can. It also doesn't put as much stress on your bones and joints, which may be beneficial if you have other conditions such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Though swimming may not cause blisters, sores or other problems, it's still important to stretch along with a warm-up and cool down exercise, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This helps prevent muscle cramps and muscle spasms during these exercises.
Resistance Training
Performing resistance training at least two days per week helps target major muscle groups, according to the American Council on Exercise. Depending upon your health and activity level, you can perform either low-intensity or moderate-intensity levels. The American Council on Exercise recommends diabetics perform at least one set of 10 to 15 repetitions, regardless of intensity level. Working out your major muscle groups can help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as decreasing the risk of becoming or staying obese. Before beginning this training, consult your physician about recommendations or concerns you may have.
