There are millions of people in America living with diabetes. Many of them are adults, and even more children are beginning to develop this disease. This is occurring at an alarming rate, which leads to the push towards implementing a healthier lifestyle. There are different ways people can live longer and at a higher quality, such as by improving their diet and incorporating exercise into their daily routines.
Working out is one of the most recommended remedies for diabetic patients. You’ll find that many diabetics have other co-occurring symptoms and illnesses related to obesity, such as obesity, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Exercising has shown to help improve these diseases and prevent them.
Combining exercise with a diet that consists of fresh produce and healthier fats is key. If you are a diabetic, you can make money to buy exercise equipment and gadgets when you sell test strips; you can also sell diabetic test strips online. Who buys test strips? There are a number of companies that will give you cash for test strips, so browse around today!
Workouts for Diabetics
According to studies, only about 39 percent of those living with type 2 diabetes actually workout regularly, while more than half of Americans without diabetes workout regularly (58 percent). This is a sour number for diabetics, given the fact that it can increase insulin action and balance out your sugar levels. It also helps to shed pounds and balance. Many diabetics have balance issues, which increases their chances of injuries caused by falls.
If you’re living with diabetes, the following exercises are frequently promoted to improve your condition.
Simply Walking
A lot of people think that working out has to be overly exhaustive and difficult, but you can begin with simple steps, literally. Walking is a very simple task for most people, including those with diabetes. This is a great first step for those who have sedentary lifestyles. All you need to do is walk fast enough to get your heart rate up.
Walking is a form of aerobics, and should be performed at least three times per week, totaling about 150 minutes. According to the America Diabetes Association, people shouldn’t go more than two consecutive days without aerobic exercise.
Performing Tai Chi
This is another relaxing workout that isn’t too difficult for newbies. Tai chi has been around for centuries; it’s a relaxed and slow workout that lasts about 30 minutes. One study has shown that it can help increase fitness and reduce stress. It can also assist with balance and possibly reduce nerve damage.
Pick Up Some Weights
Weight training is an effective way to get fit and look great. It helps to build up your muscle tone, which is important for those living with type 2 diabetes. When muscle mass is lost, it can make it more difficult to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It’s recommended that you engage in weight lifting at least two times per week, with a day of rest in between your workouts.
In each session, try to include between five and 10 different weight lifting maneuvers that target all of your major muscle groups. Try to work your way up to weight lifting three to four times weekly to optimize strength gains. Aim for sets being between 10 and 15 reps.
Swim Laps in the Pool
If you have access to a swimming pool, you can use this to perform aerobic exercises. The great thing about swimming is that the water helps to take pressure off your joints, making it easier to maneuver. It can also take pressure off your feet during the exercises, compared to other types of aerobics, such as running and walking. Many diabetics have issues with losing blood flow to their extremities, causing them to lose sensation in those areas.
Exercising is a natural and safe way to improve your diabetes. When you carefully combine diet, medicine and fitness together, you can greatly increase your vitality. Giving your workout regimen a jump-start may seem difficult in the beginning, so take it slow. Don’t be intimidated – find ways to ease your way into a routine. If needed, you can workout with a physical trainer at your local gym, or buy an aerobics DVD specifically designed for folks with diabetes.