How Exercise Benefits Those With Diabetes

Getting diagnosed with diabetes can make it feel like you’re losing control over your body. However, you shouldn’t lose hope. By making simple changes to your exercise routine, you can safeguard your health and take the power back.

How does exercise help manage diabetes?

“A lot of people know that general fitness helps with your mood, your sleep, your stress level and your mental health,” shares Nicole Mason, a fitness manager at ProMedica ForeverFit. “For people with diabetes, it also helps them improve their A1c levels, lower their blood glucose levels, and allows an increase in insulin sensitivity.”

This happens because while the body is at rest, insulin is needed to help deliver glucose to the blood cells. However, during exercise, glucose can enter blood cells independently by the contraction of those muscles. This is especially important for people with diabetes, due to their inability or decreased ability to produce insulin.

What types of exercise benefit those with diabetes?

Mason shares that any type of exercise can be beneficial for people with diabetes. “The biggest thing is just being active in general. So, finding something that’s fun and gets you up and moving is what’s most important,” Mason shares.

Some people find that they enjoy weightlifting, while others enjoy swimming, cycling, tai chi or yoga.

If you’re new to exercise, walking is a great place to start. And you don’t need a gym or a machine! “Whether you’re walking around the neighborhood, doing housework like mowing the lawn, or dancing around in your house listening to music – these are all are great ways just to be active throughout the day,” Mason shares.

How To Overcome Exercise Barriers with Diabetes

Beginning a new exercise routine can seem frightening, especially for those with diabetes who have their blood sugar levels to worry about. Before starting a new exercise routine, talk to your doctor. They can adjust your medication so that you don’t get into a hypoglycemic phase while exercising.

Think of all the benefits that you want to get out of exercise as you navigate your new exercise routine. Perhaps you want to get better sleep, have more energy, experience less stress or take less insulin. “It's important to focus on these positive thoughts because they allow you to make that behavior change and help you stick with it,” Mason shares.

Another great option to help keep you motivated is to find an exercise buddy. You can help hold each other accountable on your journey.

If you’re still not sure where to start, a personal trainer can help. They will be able to tailor a routine to your needs so that you can be active in a safe manner.