Everyday Health: What are the best types of exercise for people with diabetes?
Ping H. Wang, MD: Both cardiovascular and isometric exercises are beneficial for those with diabetes. Before beginning any new exercise regimen, consult with a physician and your diabetes-management team. Those with type 2 diabetes may need to undergo a stress test before engaging in a vigorous exercise program. Some patients may need to adjust their medicine/insulin and have a snack before workouts to avoid hypoglycemia. During sick days or when blood sugars are elevated (above 200 mg/dl), it is best to avoid exercise until fully recovered or until blood-sugar levels stabilize. Some types of exercise can further elevate already high blood-glucose levels; staying hydrated and checking blood-glucose levels during exercise is important.
Melissa Meredith, MD (with assistance from Barb Uselman, RN/CDE, and Carol Sargent, RD/CDE) : In conjunction with a healthy diet, regular physical activity is a cornerstone of treatment of type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise can improve blood sugar control, promote weight loss, reduce cardiovascular risk and improve well-being. It is recommended that at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity be done weekly.Resistance training is also important and can improve insulin resistance as much or even more than aerobic training. Muscle-strengthening exercises that involve all major muscle groups (such as weight lifting) should be done at least 2 times per week. The beneficial effects of physical activity continue long after the individual exercise session and people with type 2 diabetes ideally should not go more than 2consecutive days without exercise. The diabetes care team can help the patient develop an exercise program and determine if screening for heart disease needs to be done before starting regular exercise.
Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE: The ones you will do consistently, preferably every day for 30 minutes if you are able. Walking is a great place to start. If your health-care provider says you may safely lift light weights, then build it into your routine. As the executive director of Dance Out Diabetes, my personal slant is to go dancing! Our bodies were made to move. The challenge is to find a way to have dedicated physical activity be a part of everyday activities.
Gretchen Scalpi, RD, CDE: Any type of exercise can benefit a person with diabetes, but it’s best to choose a physical activity that you can do and enjoy! The important thing is to become more physically active no matter what you choose. For those who have not been physically active, walking for short periods of time may be a good place to start.