Diabetes Exercise Programs

Regular exercise can not only control your weight, improve your overall health and keep your muscles strong, it can also have a positive effect on your diabetes. Participating in a workout program that combines aerobic exercise, weightlifting and stretching can help to regulate your blood sugar. Check with your doctor before making changes in your exercise plan.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, dancing, cycling or swimming, can improve insulin sensitivity and boost glucose tolerance in those with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association advises those just starting out to stick to five to 10 minutes a day, then gradually increase the amount of time spent exercising each week.

Strength Training

According to the results of a study at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, reported in the November 24, 2010, "Journal of the American Medical Association," integrating strength training and aerobics into a regular exercise program can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics better than relying on aerobics alone. Forty-one percent of subjects who participated in a program combining resistance training and aerobics saw a reduction in blood sugar averages. Only 29 percent of subjects who were part of the aerobics-only program saw similar results.

Flexibility Exercises

Although stretching might not have a direct effect on your diabetes, performing flexibility exercises before and after exercise can reduce your chance of injury and prevent muscle pain and tightness. Perform stretching exercises for 10 to 15 minutes before a workout, and 10 to 15 minutes after.

Considerations

Monitor your blood sugar every 30 minutes when strength training or engaging in aerobic activity. Stop exercising if your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower. Consume up to five glucose tablets or a fast-acting carbohydrate -- like hard candy, orange juice, regular soda or raisins -- to bring up your blood sugar level. Stop exercising if you start to feel, dizzy, faint, weak, nervous or confused. Don't resume your workout until your blood sugar rises above 70 mg/dL.