Exercises For Diabetes Patients For A Healthy And Stress-Free Life

Diabetes is one of the most common lifestyle diseases. WHO says that it is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. This ailment can be effectively managed with proper medication, diet, and exercise.

To know more about this, we spoke to Dr Srinivas Kandula, Consultant Endocrinologist at CARE Hospitals Nampally, Hyderabad. He suggested a few exercises and their benefits for diabetes patients to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and enhance overall well-being.

Benefits of Exercise for Diabetic Patients

1. Blood Sugar Control: Dr Kandula says, “Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to use available insulin more effectively. This results in lower blood glucose levels.” he recommends Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming to maintain glucose levels.
2. Weight Management: Exercising daily helps burn calories and reduce body fat, which is vital for managing type 2 diabetes and making blood sugar levels easier to control.
3. Cardiovascular Health: “Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces harmful cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications,” says Dr Kandula
4. Mental Health Benefits: “Physical activity releases endorphins, which reduce stress, improve mood and benefit diabetic patients who may experience stress and anxiety related to their condition,” advises Dr Kandula. 

Exercise For Diabetes Patients

Here are some exercises for diabetes patients recommended by Dr Kandula:

Aerobic Exercise

Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling boost heart rate and enhance cardiovascular health. Engage in about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly.

Strength Training

Dr Kandula says, “Building muscle mass through weight lifting or resistance band exercises improves glucose metabolism and aids in weight management. Engage in strength training exercises at least twice a week.”

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Flexibility and Balance Exercises

Engage in Yoga (Yoga for Children) and stretching exercises to boost flexibility and balance to reduce stress and the risk of falls and injuries.

Safety Tips for Exercising with Diabetes

Here are some safety tips for diabetes patients to follow:

1. Consult Your Doctor: Consult a doctor before starting an exercise routine to understand if it contradicts your health condition.
2. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Track your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise. “Be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and carry fast-acting carbohydrates, like glucose tablets, in case of emergencies,” advises Dr Kandula.
3. Stay Hydrated: Consume plenty of water to stay hydrated and control blood sugar levels.

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