Fitness
Be Physically Active
Physical activity is good for your diabetes. Walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle, playing baseball, and bowling are all good ways to be active. You can even get exercise when you clean house or work in your garden. Physical activity is especially good for people with diabetes because:
- physical activity helps keep weight down
- physical activity helps insulin work better to lower blood glucose
- physical activity is good for your heart and lungs
- physical activity gives you more energy
Before you begin exercising, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may check your heart and your feet to be sure you have no special problems. If you have high blood pressure or eye problems, some exercises like weightlifting may not be safe. Your health care team can help you find safe exercises.
Try to be active almost every day for a total of about 30 minutes. If you haven’t been very active lately, begin slowly. Start with 5 to 10 minutes, and then add more time. Or exercise for 10 minutes, three times a day.
If your blood glucose is less than 100 to 120, have a snack before you exercise.
When you exercise, carry glucose tablets or a carbohydrate snack with you in case you get hypoglycemia. Wear or carry an identification tag or card saying that you have diabetes.
Action Steps...
IF YOU USE INSULIN:
- See your doctor before starting a physical activity program.
- Check your blood glucose before, during, and after exercising. Don’t exercise when your blood glucose is over 240 or if you have ketones in your urine (see below).
- Don’t exercise right before you go to sleep because it could cause hypoglycemia during the night.
Action Steps...
IF YOU DON’T USE INSULIN:
- See your doctor before starting a physical activity program.
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