If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, getting regular exercise is imperative. Exercise helps control your weight, lower blood glucose levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.
Function
If you have Type 2 diabetes, getting exercise may improve the way your body reacts to insulin, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse in the article "What I Need to Know About Physical Activity and Diabetes." Exercising may also reduce bad cholesterol levels and raise your levels of good cholesterol, which may reduce your risk of heart disease. Getting exercise may also keep your joints flexible and give you more energy throughout the day.
Types
Try aerobic exercises that get your heart pumping, recommends FamilyDoctor in the article "Diabetes and Exercise." Jogging, walking, dance, cycling or rowing may help get your heart rate up. If you have nerve damage in your legs or feet -- a common condition associated with diabetes -- your doctor may recommend exercises that don't put stress on your feet, such as swimming or rowing. Join a team sport to stay motivated and committed to your workout plan. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends volleyball and basketball as effective aerobic sports that may help your condition.
Considerations
Although there are some risks to exercising with diabetes, don't be discouraged. The risks of exercising are outweighed by the benefits, according to FamilyDoctor. Because exercise makes your body react more to insulin, your blood sugar may drop after exercising, notes FamilyDoctor. Always carry food and a sports drink on your person so you can eat or drink to raise your blood sugar. Your doctor may recommend taking a break in the middle of your exercise routine to test your blood sugar and ensure it isn't too low.
Warning
Do not exercise with a high blood sugar level, warns Gary Scheiner, M.S., C.D.E., in the Juvenile Research Foundation International article "Exercise, Sports and Diabetes: Going for the Goal." When you exercise, adrenaline builds up in the body, especially when playing competitive sports. Adrenaline may push up blood sugar even higher, which may be dangerous. If your blood glucose is over 250, take a ketone test before exercising. If ketones are negative, exercise is OK. If they're positive, take insulin and wait until your blood glucose number goes below 250, says Schiener.
Expert Insight
According to FamilyDoctor, all diabetes patients should carry at least 15g fast-acting carbohydrates at all times, especially while exercising, to counteract hypoglycemia if it occurs. Examples of fast-acting carbohydrates include 2 tbsp. raisins, 1/2 cup regular soda, 1/2 cup fruit juice or 1 cup milk. You may also carry glucose tablets, which help raise your blood sugar quickly.
