Diabetes and Exercise: What's Stopping You?
Exercise does so many good things for you when you have diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels, can ease stress, and helps you lose extra weight. So what's stopping you?
Here's a look at six common hurdles and how to get over them and on track.
Diabetic Nerve Pain: Do You Recognize the Symptoms?
Does the light touch of a bed sheet make your feet burn? Does your heart sometimes race when you’re resting? Do you have problems with sexual arousal?As different as these symptoms are, they can all have the same cause: diabetic nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. About half of people with diabetes develop nerve damage. The two most common forms are: peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves that serve the farthest reaches of the body, such as the legs and hands;...
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1. I don't have time to exercise.
Ideally, you should move at a pace that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat for 30 minutes most days of the week. But if you're tied up with work, school, or family activities, find little pockets of time whenever you can.
Park farther away in the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around the field while the kids are at soccer practice.
Be creative to fit in exercise. Little moments of movement add up to a more active lifestyle.
2. I don't know what exercises to do.
You don't need to join a gym or find a personal trainer. Start out by simply going for a walk. Begin with a 5-minute walk and slowly build from there.
You can also find free exercise videos online. Or, join an exercise class at a church or community center.
3. It's too cold/hot/rainy/whatever.
Who says you have to go outside? Walk laps in your house, or walk up and down the stairs. Play an active video game like Wii Fit. Put on some music and dance around. Go to the mall, or find a high school or YMCA with an indoor track, and walk in comfort.
4. It hurts to exercise.
See your doctor to find the source of your pain. Make sure you don't have a problem that needs treatment.
If you get the OK to start exercising, try non-impact exercises like swimming, biking, and using elliptical machines. Look for exercise videos made for people who have pain.
5. I can't stick with it.
Get an exercise buddy to walk with you, or take fitness classes together. When someone else is counting on you to go for a hike, work out, or ride bikes, you'll be less likely to make an excuse. The two of you will keep each other on track, and you won't want to let each other down.
Here's a look at six common hurdles and how to get over them and on track.
Recommended Related to Diabetes
Diabetic Nerve Pain: Do You Recognize the Symptoms?
Does the light touch of a bed sheet make your feet burn? Does your heart sometimes race when you’re resting? Do you have problems with sexual arousal?As different as these symptoms are, they can all have the same cause: diabetic nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. About half of people with diabetes develop nerve damage. The two most common forms are: peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves that serve the farthest reaches of the body, such as the legs and hands;...
Read the Diabetic Nerve Pain: Do You Recognize the Symptoms? article > >
1. I don't have time to exercise.
Ideally, you should move at a pace that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat for 30 minutes most days of the week. But if you're tied up with work, school, or family activities, find little pockets of time whenever you can.
Park farther away in the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around the field while the kids are at soccer practice.
Be creative to fit in exercise. Little moments of movement add up to a more active lifestyle.
2. I don't know what exercises to do.
You don't need to join a gym or find a personal trainer. Start out by simply going for a walk. Begin with a 5-minute walk and slowly build from there.
You can also find free exercise videos online. Or, join an exercise class at a church or community center.
3. It's too cold/hot/rainy/whatever.
Who says you have to go outside? Walk laps in your house, or walk up and down the stairs. Play an active video game like Wii Fit. Put on some music and dance around. Go to the mall, or find a high school or YMCA with an indoor track, and walk in comfort.
4. It hurts to exercise.
See your doctor to find the source of your pain. Make sure you don't have a problem that needs treatment.
If you get the OK to start exercising, try non-impact exercises like swimming, biking, and using elliptical machines. Look for exercise videos made for people who have pain.
5. I can't stick with it.
Get an exercise buddy to walk with you, or take fitness classes together. When someone else is counting on you to go for a hike, work out, or ride bikes, you'll be less likely to make an excuse. The two of you will keep each other on track, and you won't want to let each other down.