Exercising Safely With Diabetes

By Rocky Schwarz

A great way to help control symptoms of diabetes is to exercise. Through exercise you can control your body's insulin, and weight. You can also increase your good cholesterol and help to relieve everyday stress. The key to exercising with diabetes is to do it safely and effectively.

Be sure to engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times a week. Moderate exercise can be defined as anything physical that increases the heart rate and keeps it up for 30 minutes. If you are out of breath then your heart rate is up.

Some great examples of moderate exercise is playing with your kids, swimming, walking briskly, riding your bike to the market, tennis, basketball, or any cardio-class at your local gym. Remember, exercise does not have to mean going to the gym. It can be done outdoors or indoors, and you want it to be somewhat challenging.

Another great option for exercise is Yoga or Pilates. They are both great ways to build strength in you core and relieve stress. Yoga can be used to learn proper breathing and build muscle strength and endurance throughout the entire body.

No matter what exercise you choose, be sure to check with your doctor first. If you aren't careful you may lower your glucose and become hypoglycemic. You also need to be careful if you have diabetes related nerve damage. It is very important that you work closely with your doctor to choose an exercise plan that is best for you.

You will quickly find that you feel better, have more energy and sleep better. Make the choice to be healthy, and you will be glad you did.

For more great information on exercise, visit my Diet and Exercise blog