Do you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes? If so, you’re not alone. In the United States alone there are more than 30 million people — around 9.4-percent of the population — who live with these disorders.
One way to manage this disease is to adopt a regular physical exercise routine. Movement helps you control your symptoms and prevents your condition from damaging internal organs. As the saying goes, sitting is the new smoking.
Are you ready to sweat? If so, read on to discover 10 exercise tips for those with diabetes.
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Take a Walk
If you head to the gym, you might feel intimidated by the many machines, such as treadmills, stair masters, stationary bikes, rowers and more. Instead of buying a membership, take a walk around your block. A stroll is simple, plus all you need is a good pair of shoes. If you like to listen to tunes while you exercise, bring along your MP3 player and some headphones.
Walking is an aerobic activity that raises the heart rate. According to experts, this type of exercise can lower resistance to the hormone that regulates glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, a number that indicates your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Plus, people with diabetes who walk at least two hours per week are less likely to have heart disease compared to sedentary counterparts. You can cut your risk even more by exercising for three to four hours.