12 | Living with Diabetes
THE IMPORTANCE OF
EXERCISE
FOR MOST PEOPLE, ANY TYPE OR AMOUNT OF EXERCISE IS BETTER THAN NONE. EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE YOUR
BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL AND REDUCE THE RISK OF PROBLEMS YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE WITH DIABETES,
SUCH AS HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY PROBLEMS AND NERVE DAMAGE.
xercise comes in many shapes
and forms. Of course, you
Aerobic exercise works your
Eshould check with your doctor
muscles, lungs and heart.
about what types of exercise are safe
Aerobic activities include for you, especially if you have trouble
keeping your blood sugar stable or if
running, walking and sports
you have any other health issues.
that require you to run or move
The Benefi ts of Exercise
for some amount of time.
Aerobic exercise can help
Improves blood sugar control by making your
body more sensitive to its own natural insulin.
you manage your weight and
can also prevent damage to
Burns blood sugar and calories, which can
help reduce your need for insulin and diabetes
your blood vessels. In general,
medicine, and help you manage your weight.
doing aerobic exercise about
Lowers blood pressure by helping your heart
30 minutes a day, fi ve or more
pump more effectively.
times a week, is a good goal.
Raises good cholesterol
(high-density lipoproteins, or HDL).
Strength training builds muscle.
Lowers bad cholesterol (low-density
lipoproteins, or LDL) and triglycerides.
With more muscle, your body
burns more sugar and calories
Improves your muscle and bone strength.
— even when you aren’t
Reduces your risk of nerve damage
working out. Lifting weights,
and heart disease.
working out with elastic bands
Gives you more energy.
or using resistance are all ways
to do strength training.Helps you feel better about your body.
Gives you a sense of empowerment.
It Makes Sense Health Tip
Starting an exercise habit can
be challenging, especially if you
haven’t enjoyed exercise in the past.
But fi nding something you look
forward to doing will help you do it
more. So if you like to golf, then golf!
Anything that gets you up and moving will be helpful as Testing your blood sugar
If you like to swim, then swim! Or
you take control of your diabetes. Adding extra activity before, during and after an
walk, dance, garden, play charades.
to your day can be good for you. It can be as simple exercise routine will give
Whatever it takes to help you get
as walking instead of taking the car or taking the stairs you good sense of how it
moving – with your doctor’s input –
instead of using the elevator. is affected by exercise.
is what you need to be doing.
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