Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects many people around the world. People with diabetes can experience symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, or fatigue. Studies find that patients taking medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Semaglutide, Jardiance, Bydureon, Trulicity, and Invokana to help manage blood sugar can greatly reduce their diabetes symptoms along with daily physical activity. Exercises allow people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to stay active, manage their calories, and reduce the risk of developing further complications. A few physical activities or exercises can help patients with diabetes play a more active role in their disease management:
1. Swimming
Swimming is not only satisfying and fun, but it also strengthens muscle groups in the back, legs, and core as well as help maintain your body’s glucose levels. Before you begin, it’s essential to warm up to get your muscles limber for doing laps or aqua fit; this will reduce the risk of muscle cramps while you’re in the water. Remember that most people with diabetes can enjoy swimming safely as swimming puts very little stress on the joints.
2. Interval training
Interval training is a way to get people with diabetes more active and improve their fitness levels. It consists of short bursts of intense exercise separated by rest periods. Interval training can help increase your cardiovascular fitness and stamina and minimize the risk of developing heart disease, arthritis, or high blood pressure.
3. Yoga
Yoga is a low-impact activity that can be beneficial for people with diabetes that are overweight or those that have foot or joint problems. It can improve overall cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Yoga involves holding poses similarly for a specific time and can help you balance. Many types of yoga also include meditation, which greatly lowers stress.
4. Cycling
Cycling is a light exercise that is an excellent way for people with diabetes to control their blood glucose levels, and the great thing about it is that you can cycle at your own pace. It can improve your cardiovascular health and help you lower your blood sugar level after eating. You should always wear a helmet when biking and ensure the bike is in good riding condition before beginning. Avoid riding in dangerous places such as busy highways, and put rear and side reflectors on your bike to make you more visible to other vehicles at night.
5. Strength training
Strength training is an excellent form of exercise that can help people with diabetes manage blood sugar and stay strong, flexible, and energized. Resistance training involves lifting weights or using body weight as resistance to increase muscle strength, allowing for improved flexibility and glucose control. Following the correct workout program is essential for diabetics, for instance, you should avoid time-intensive exercises that put a lot of stress on the body. Instead, start slow and easy, and progress as your body gets used to regular exercise.
Exercise has an essential role to play in managing diabetes and blood sugars effectively. Before you start any exercise program, you must be aware of your body’s needs and limitations. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program to help you manage your diabetes. Finding an exercise program that best meets your needs may take some time, but it’s worth it in the end.
