Does it really matter who you are or whether you have diabetes or not? The truth is we all need to move it, to get some deliberate muscle moving sessions going. We need to make physical activity and exercising a regular part of our life.

The major benefit of exercise for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is to prevent complications which really affect everyone but is more severe in diabetics. Exercise helps with:

• weight loss in type 2 diabetes
• lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• reducing blood pressure
• reducing the need for insulin or other drugs
• relieving stress

Before starting a new exercise program check with your health care provider if you:

• have not exercised before
• were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than ten years ago
• are obese
• have a history of any risk factor for heart disease such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
• have previously been diagnosed or show signs of poor blood flow in your legs, eg. pain in your calves
• have been diagnosed or show signs of nerve damage, eg. tingling or numbness
• use medications
• have a physical disability

By discussing your exercise program with your health care provider you can then chose the best and safest program for you. Exercise does place healthy but mild stress on the body.

Some important steps to take before commencing to exercise include:

1. wearing a medical alert bracelet showing you are diabetes
2. you are wearing comfortable clothes
3. choosing proper shoes and socks
4. making sure you carry treatment for hypoglycemia
5. you drink plenty of water
6. try to exercise during the cooler part of the day
7. testing your blood sugar levels just before commencing exercise
8. not exercising if your level is greater than 270 mg/dl (15 mmol/l)
9. if your level is low have some extra carbohydrate such as fruit or a sandwich
10. check your blood sugar level during your exercise if you feel you need to and have a fruit juice or a piece of fruit if it is low. Check it again as soon as you finish exercising and then six hours after. You may need to adjust your insulin or oral medications the next time you exercise so you don’t need to have extra carbohydrates each time.

There are only two real requirements with exercise. They are, one you do it and two, you keep on doing it!

The ideal treatment for type 2 diabetes is to lose weight, follow a healthy eating plan and increase physical activity. Exercise reduces your blood sugar levels as well as helps with weight loss.

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