The Best Exercises If You Have Diabetes

Fighting Diabetes? Do It Actively

Exercise is good for pretty much everyone. It’s especially important if you have diabetes. Workouts can do all kinds of things for you, like lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, boost your energy, and help you sleep better. If physical, high-impact exercises aren’t for you, there are plenty of other options.

Walk

It’s a simple way to get exercise and fresh air. It can lower your stress, too. A brisk stroll of 30 minutes to an hour 3 or 4 times a week is one way to hit your target. It’s easy to get started: Take Fido around the neighborhood or walk to the store instead of driving. Once you’ve made it a habit, it can be rewarding -- and motivating -- to track your steps and your progress.

Climb Stairs

This can be a healthy and easy way to burn calories and get your heart and lungs working faster, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Going up and down stairs for 3 minutes about an hour or two after a meal is a good way to burn off blood sugar. You can do it anywhere there’s a staircase, like when you need a break from work.

Strength Training

You do this with free weights or resistance bands. It can lower your blood sugar and help make your muscles and bones stronger. You get the most out of it if you do it twice a week -- in addition to your aerobic stuff. You can do many of these exercises at home, like:

• Lifting canned goods or water bottles
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Squats
• Lunges

Gardening

If the idea of traditional exercise isn’t for you, don’t worry. Time in your garden counts as both aerobic activity and strength training. It gets your blood going (since you’re walking, kneeling, and bending). It also builds muscles and helps your bones (since you’re digging, lifting, and raking). You’re also outside, where your stress levels can be lower.