Well, I have spent the past hour or so wandering around the house, avoiding one of my least favorite subjects. Exercise. Now, in the past, it has been one of my favorite things. I used to ski, skate, play baseball, hike, camp, and most weeks I danced at least 5 nights of 7. As often as I could get someone on the dance floor. I was very active and, of course, felt the better for it.

Then I had several pretty severe injuries and was unable to be as active. A few more things, like arthritis in the hips and knees, and I was sidelined.

Now I’m an insulin dependent diabetic and an important element in good control of diabetes is exercise. I do not mean go out and run marathons. Just 30 minutes of brisk to average walking 3 times a week will reduce your risk of heart attack (diabetics are high risk for heart attack and stroke), and possibly keep insulin doses lowered. It will not only improve your overall health, but will help reduce your weight thereby reducing even more the amount of insulin you need.

Those who are able to be very active in sports of any kind should only do so under the care and advice of a physician. Strenuous activity greatly affects your blood glucose levels and if you are insulin dependent can lead to serious lows if not monitored carefully.

Those doing strenuous exercise should take a blood glucose reading both before and after their workout or activity. They need to keep on hand things like non-diet soda (? cup), fruit( ie. 2 Tbs raisins), fruit juices (? cup), candy (ie. 5 lifesavers) and always, whether you are exercising or not, carry at least 3 glucose tablets (or about 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates).

Your blood sugar can take a rapid drop during exercise, especially if you are on insulin. You need to monitor how you are feeling closely and if you feel any change in your heartbeat, feel shaky or anxious, or suddenly begin to sweat more than normal take a glucose reading and treat a low (if you are having one) as you and your doctor have discussed.

Aerobic exercise makes your heart work harder and you breath deeper. Brisk walking, jogging, aerobic dance, and bicycling are just a few of these types of exercise. If you have nerve or joint problems, including neuropathies, your doctor may suggest aerobic exercise that is less hard on the feet and joints. Some of these include swimming, bicycling, rowing and chair exercises. Even those who are unable to participate in most things can exercise right from their chair in a sitting position.

You can even get your heart rate up doing these and you will feel all the better for it.

My friend Kim Lyons, who was a trainer on the TV series “The Biggest Loser”, has some great information and exercise videos for all levels of fitness, including those who can only “sit and be fit”. With Dr. Singh on board too, you can get some excellent nutritional and exercise advice (NOT to take the place of your own doctors advice by any means). They have some good information available for diabetics too.

• What Are Signs of Diabetes - First 8 Symptoms of Diabetes
• Could Medicare Help to Get Diabetic Supplies?
• Reverse Diabetes Type 1 - The Natural Way
• Diabetes 101 - The Basics About the Different Types of Diabetes Diseases
• Diabetic Diet
• Diabetes Diet For All of Us
• How to Start Exercising With Diabetes
• Diabetic Recipes Online - Add Excitement Back Into Your Diabetic Menu!
• Understanding the Role of the Glycemic Index in Diabetes Management

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