Skip to main content

How does exercise impact diabetes?

 

 

"Does exercise help diabetes?" Yes! Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it's especially impactful if you have type 2 diabetes. For example, physical activity:

  • Relieves stress
  • Strengthens the cardiovascular system
  • Builds muscle
  • Improves flexibility, stamina and endurance
  • Leads to better quality sleep
  • Helps with weight management, blood sugar levels, balance and coordination
  • Reduces anxiety, depression and fatigue

There are many types of exercise for diabetes, including flexibility, strength, endurance and aerobic options. Regardless of the type, it's important to build up your fitness level over time. Start slow and gradually increase your activity, working toward 30 minutes of various exercises five days per week.

While most types of activities are safe for people with type 2 diabetes, some precautions are necessary. Be sure to balance meals and medication with exercise since exercise lowers blood sugar levels. Often, people with type 2 diabetes find that it's ideal to exercise two hours after a meal, but always check with your diabetes educator or healthcare provider on what's best for you. And if you feel dizzy, faint, nauseous, sweaty or clammy—whether before, during or after exercise—stop whatever activity you're doing or avoid starting. These are all symptoms of low blood sugar.

Have more questions about diabetes and exercise?

Learn how to better manage your diabetes by checking out our six-week virtual workshop Healthy Living with Diabetes. Topics covered include exercise for diabetes, healthy eating, monitoring, stress management, understanding emotions, medication, communication, avoiding complications, decision making and more.

Register now

Related articles
Rest and Recovery After Exercise. Side View of Asian working women take a rest after outdoors workout in a city park.
Is walking good exercise?

It’s no secret that regularly moving our bodies is good for us. But is simply taking a walk good exercise? According to the CDC, physical activity through walking can help
Swing into shape

This safe and effective exercise program teaches gentle movement to improve range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance.
bodyweight exercises to try at home
Bodyweight exercises to try at home

By Hannah M. Cornell, PTA, Physical Therapy Gundersen Boscobel Hospital and Clinics Don't have access to a gym or equipment? No worries, bodyweight exercises can be just as effective by
Which exercises burn the most calories
What exercise burns the most calories?

By Hannah M. Cornell, PTA, Physical Therapy Gundersen Boscobel Hospital and Clinics Burning calories doesn't mean you have to do some form of cardio for hours at a time, or

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

Language Support:
Jump back to top