Exercise Tips for People with Type 2 Diabetes

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In most cases, people with Type 2 diabetes may safely exercise. In addition to taking medication to regulate insulin and following a special diet, exercise can improve the patient's condition by lowering the blood sugar. Typically, people with Type 2 diabetes are not used to exercising, so it's safest to begin exercising with approval from your doctor. It is also best to start with an easy workout plan.

Choosing a Workout Plan

A patient with diabetes should talk to a personal trainer and choose an easier workout plan to begin with. The type of workout may vary according to a patient's preferences: some may choose yoga, while others may opt for brisk walking or swimming. The tempo or pace of the workout should be slow to moderate. Also, it is advisable that the patient is monitoring blood sugar levels and overall condition to ensure that the body reacts well to the workout.

 30 Minute Workout

The amount of time spent exercising per day should be at least 30 minutes to ensure that the patient sees some results with improved fitness and lowers his blood glucose. As the patient becomes more fit and gets used to the workout routine, the time may be extended to 40 or 60 minutes per day.

Increase Activity

In addition to beginning a workout plan to improve fitness or lose weight, the Type 2 diabetes patient should also focus on being more active throughout the day and take advantage of any opportunity to move. For instance, the patient might use the stairs instead of the elevator and try to walk instead of using the car for shorter distances.

For more tips for managing diabetes, visit our Diabetes forum.

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