Diabetes and Exercise

Physical activity is a tool to help manage your diabetes. It is a very important part of your diabetes treatment plan and can help you feel your healthiest. Physical activity is valuable because it can:

Lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure
Raise HDL (“good cholesterol”)
Promote weight loss
Improve blood circulation
Help the body better use insulin
Reduce stress and make you feel better
Increase flexibility

What do I need?

Your doctor’s permission before beginning a physical activity program
A physical activity you enjoy
Properly fitting shoes

How often should I do the activity?

Start your activity slowly and increase gradually. Your goal should be to exercise at least 30 minutes, five days per week, or as recommended by your healthcare provider. A 30-minute session may be broken up into three 10-minute sessions.

Safety tips

To decrease the risk of low blood sugar, check your blood sugar before you begin your session. If it’s over 250 mg/dl and ketones are present, delay the activity until your blood sugar levels are under 250 mg/dl. If your blood sugar is below 100 mg/dl, you might need a snack (1 carb) before beginning the activity.
The best time for a session is 30 minutes to one hour after eating a meal.
Check your feet for blisters/sores before and after any physical activity.
If you take medicine that lowers blood sugar levels, carry a carbohydrate source such as glucose tablets or hard candy.
Include a 5 to 10-minute warm-up and cool-down period.
Drink water before, during, and after physical activity.
Try to exercise with someone.
Check your blood sugar after an activity. For some people, exercise can lower blood sugar for up to 24 hours.
Carry diabetes identification.

How to start

Set realistic goals with the help of your healthcare provider
Make a plan. Identify ways to increase your physical activity
Go out of your way to be active and decrease inactivity

Managing your weight

If you are overweight, losing as little as 4.53 – 9.07 kilograms (10 - 20 pounds) can help lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. You will lessen the strain on your bones and joints and will feel better all the way around. Here are some tips to help you start managing your weight:

Take stock, begin by keeping track of what, when, where, and how you eat now
Assess your willingness to change
Make a plan. Identify which habits you will change now and which ones you will change later
Set realistic goals. A 0.22 - 0.45 kilogram (1/2 - 1 pound) weight loss per week is a reasonable goal.

Follow a healthy eating plan

Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups
Avoid fad diets that eliminate whole groups of food
Eat smaller portions
Eat less fat
Avoid skipping meals
Exercise - successful weight loss includes daily exercise
Keep it off - make your new healthy eating and exercise changes a permanent way of life

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.