Are you diabetes fit? It is important for everyone to exercise daily, but it is especially important for those with diabetes to do so. This is incredibly helpful in keeping your blood sugar levels under control, as well as in avoiding further complications such as circulation problems, cholesterol problems, heart disease, and possibly even some types of cancer. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you don’t need to run a marathon to stay diabetes fit, it is all about staying active. You can accomplish this just by doing things that you enjoy like walking or playing tennis. The important thing is to make exercise a part of your daily life.

So what are the benefits of being diabetes fit?

  1. Your blood sugar will be easier to control. When you exercise regularly, your cells are able to use the insulin that you make more easily, which is the major reason that blood sugar rises in the first place. Burning calories will also help to lower blood sugar levels.
  2. It will help your heart. When you are physically active it helps your heart to pump stronger and slower.
  3. It improves your blood fats. Exercise raises your good cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol, while lowering your bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol. Keeping these under control helps you to keep your heart healthy.
  4. You’ll be able to take fewer medications. According to the ADA, if you stay active it will help you to lower you blood sugar and your weight, and therefore will not have to take as much insulin and diet pills.
  5. You can keep your weight down. When you are physically active you burn calories, which will help you to lose weight and keep it off.
  6. You’ll feel better. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety; it also keeps you from becoming depressed. In addition, you will have more energy during the day and sleep better at night.

 

Ideas for Becoming Diabetes Fit

 

There are lots of ways that you can stay active throughout the day. Aerobic exercises are probably the most important. Exercising aerobically increases your heart rate, works your muscles, and raises your breathing rate. It is recommended that you exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You start out by take 5-10 minute walks a day if you’re not used to being very active though. Activities that will help you to stay diabetes fit are:

  • Dancing
  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Roller skating
  • Biking

 

Also, you would be surprised how much exercise you can work into your daily routine just by doing things a little differently. Here are some things that you might want to try:

  • Walk instead of drive when possible.
  • Take the stairs, not the elevator.
  • Work on your house; house cleaning or raking leaves are great ways to stay active and calm your nerves.
  • Get a parking space that is further away from the door.
  • Take time walking around inside of stores or take time to walk around the mall.
  • Walk in place in front of the TV.
  • Walk up and down the stairs while you’re talking on the phone.