How to Lower Blood Sugar With Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, but even more so for diabetics. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, which is often a problem with diabetics. Exercise will also help you lose weight and increase muscle mass. However, the most important part about diabetics exercising is that exercise itself will help lower blood sugar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Read up on the benefits of exercise for diabetics. When you understand how exercise works, you are more likely to do it. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar for energy. When your muscles are using sugar, there is less sugar in your blood resulting in a lower blood sugar reading. The more strenuous the exercise, the longer the lower blood sugar will last.
2. Increase your sensitivity to insulin with exercise. In type 2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity can increase to the point that you may be able to stop taking medication (but only under the advice of your doctor). Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which helps move sugar in and out of your cells. Increased sensitivity means your body needs less insulin to work efficiently and blood sugar is lowered.
3. Choose an exercise that you enjoy and will fit into your schedule. Go for a walk around the neighborhood or in the mall, swim a few laps in the pool, take dancing class or karate class for exercise. If you are just starting an exercise program, start your exercises slowly.
4. Consult with your doctor before beginning your exercise program. Tell him the type of exercise you'll be doing and how long it will last. Your doctor can help you decide the best time to take your medication when exercising. Your doctor will also advise you what type of exercise to avoid. For example, if you have diabetic retinopathy, you shouldn't do strenuous exercise like weight lifting or jogging as this could cause further damage to your eyes. Always check with your doctor first because there are many things to consider.