By Randy Wood

People with diabetes that like to get out, exercise and be active are always on the go. This is absolutely one of the best ways to help people without diabetes or with pre-diabetes prevent it. It is also a good way for those with diabetes to control it and help prevent complications.

The best advice I can give anyone, especially with diabetes, is to move. One of the worst things you can do to yourself is to be inactive.

Motion, Activity, Exercise and Diabetes – What to Know

Always consult your physician before making drastic changes in your lifestyle.

If an exercise program is new to you, or it has been a long period of time since you exercised on a regular basis, discuss this with your doctor and get blood sugar levels that you need to target, high or low during the duration of your active exercise sessions.

As a diabetic, you should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity at least most days of the week. This activity along with a healthy diet will help to keep your weight down, lower your blood sugar levels and help lower your risk of heart problems.

Doctors will generally recommend aerobic type exercises for diabetics. Aerobic exercise makes you breathe deeply and also makes your heart work harder.

Some good examples of aerobic exercise are:
walking
jogging
aerobic dance
bicycling

Whatever type of exercise you choose, always warm up for 5 to 10 minutes first and cool down when you are done. A good way to warm up is to do gentle walking or stretching. You should always stretch for 5 to 10 minutes before and after your exercise sessions.

As exercise tends to lower your blood sugar level, it is always a good idea to check your levels before you start and when you get done. If you are exercising for extended periods, check you blood sugar levels every 30 minutes or so. Hyperglycemia is low blood sugar and is dangerous. If your sugar levels are to low, wait until they are at a normal level before you start. If you begin to feel changes in your heartbeat, sudden sweat, shaky, anxious or sudden hunger, you blood sugar level is most likely dropping to low. Stop exercising and follow the plan you and your doctor made for combating hyperglycemia. Keep a snack handy!

Always wear shoes that fit properly. Do every thing you can to prevent sores and/or blisters on your feet. As diabetics tend to heal slowly, infections can easily set in.

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your exercise sessions. Dehydration can affect your blood sugar levels.

Always Move – Always Be Prepared

By Randy Wood
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