Diabetes and exercise
Everybody benefits from regular exercise. In diabetes it plays an important role in keeping you healthy.
How can exercise help?
Exercise helps insulin to work better which will improve your diabetes control. It can also:
- help you control your weight;
- help lower your blood pressure;
- reduce your risk of heart disease; and
- help reduce stress.
What type of exercise should I do?
This depends on what you enjoy and your level of fitness. Here are some suggestions:
- walking
- swimming
- dancing
- water aerobics
- gardening
- golf
- cycling
- exercise bike
- walking machine.
Increasing your general physical activity is also helpful, for example, taking the stairs instead of the lift, getting up to change the TV station instead of using the remote control, housework and so on.
How much exercise do I need to do?
Ideally, about 30 minutes every day. If this is not possible, then this time can be divided into 3 x 10 minute sessions.
How intense does the exercise need to be?
You do not need to puff to gain the benefits of exercise. Aim for moderate intensity. This means you should still be able to talk as you exercise without becoming breathless.
Getting started
Before commencing a regular exercise programme, see your doctor for a full medical examination. This is especially important if you have any complications of diabetes. Commence exercising gradually. Start with 5-10 minutes and slowly build up to 30 minutes.
Last Reviewed: 08 July 2003
