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Being Active

Being Active
Regular exercise for good diabetes control
By Theresa Garnero

Exercise is perhaps the most underutilized way to help control diabetes. The two types of exercise are aerobic and anaerobic. Anaerobic exercise does not require oxygen to meet the body's demands and is generally not as beneficial as aerobic exercise.

Unless your physician has advised you not to, exercise is good medicine. The challenge is making it a part of our daily routine. You don't have to go to an expensive gym to get the benefits: improved cardiovascular function, strength, and glucose control. Wear a pedometer and try to work up to 10,000 steps a day—it's just as effective as a 30-minute walk. Start with 3 sessions a week, for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and gradually build up to 60 minutes. Trying to lose weight? The FDA recommends 90 minutes of daily exercise. Many people with diabetes find exercise one of the easiest things to do. It feels good! Remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Visit these resources for key information on exercise and diabetes:

Fitness

• Get Moving: Tips for Getting Started on Your Exercise Program

• Diabetes and Exercise

• Yoga: The Stealth Health Booster

• Start a Walking Program

• Fitness For All Types

• Stay At Home Fitness

• Extreme Exercise

Getting Past Fitness Roadblocks

• Finding the Motivation to Exercise

• Exercising with Excess Body Weight or Arthritis

• How to Jump Start Your Exercise Program

• Exercise and Your Blood Sugar

Exercise Safety

• Exercise and Diabetes Medication Interactions

• Making Your Workout Diabetes-Safe

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SOURCE:

1 - American Association of Diabetes Educators. AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors. (Accessed 2/19/08).