Diabetes Control With Regular Scheduled Exercise
Exercise is especially important if you have diabetes. Regular scheduled workouts can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, boost your energy, and improve sleep. For seniors, high impact exercises are unnecessary as there are plenty of other options.
Diabetes: Walking
It’s a simple way to get exercise and fresh air. It can lower your stress, too. A brisk stroll of 30 minutes to an hour 3 or 4 times a week is one way to hit your target. It’s easy to get started: Take Fido around the neighborhood or walk to the store instead of driving. Once you’ve made it a habit, it can be rewarding to track your steps and your progress.
Diabetes: Dancing
This can be a fun way to get your exercise. Just shake your groove thing for 25 minutes, 3 days a week to help your heart, lower your blood sugar, ease stress levels, and burn calories. You don’t need a partner to get started, either. A chair can be good support if you need it.
Diabetes: Swimming
This is one aerobic exercise that doesn’t strain your joints like other ones can. It also lets you work muscles in your upper and lower body at the same time. Hitting the water is also good for your heart. It can also lower cholesterol and help you burn serious calories.
Diabetes: Bike Riding
Ride a bike. Whether you use a stationary one or hit the road, 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week can get your heart rate up, burn blood sugar, and help you lose weight without hurting your knees or other joints.
Diabetes: Climb Stairs
This can be a healthy and easy way to burn calories and get your heart and lungs working faster, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Going up and down stairs for 3 minutes about an hour or two after a meal is a good way to burn off blood sugar. You can do it anywhere there’s a staircase.
Strength Training
You do this with free weights or resistance bands. It lowers your blood sugar and help make your muscles and bones stronger. You get the most out of it if you do it twice a week. Here are a few suggesrtions:
- Lifting canned goods or water bottles
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Squats
- Lunges
Diabetes: Yoga
Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can make you stronger and more flexible. It also helps with balance. The motions, poses, and focus on breathing may also ease stress and help build muscle. Consequently, it can keep your blood sugar levels more stable.
Conclusion
At least 30 minutes of aerobic activity 5 days a week can help the insulin in your body work better. We’re talking exercise that gets your heart and lungs going and kicks your blood flow into a higher gear. If you haven’t been active in a while, start with 5 to 10 minutes a day and build up over time.