Diabetes and exercise

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition characterised by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The body makes glucose from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, moves glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, which use it to produce energy. Diabetes develops when glucose does not get into the cells but builds up in the blood instead.

Very high glucose levels can damage the blood vessels, the nerves and other organs, and can significantly shorten life expectancy.

Why is exercise so important?

Physical exercise is, you might say, a “secret weapon” for managing diabetes. When you exercise, your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which means it needs less insulin to control blood sugar. For most people with diabetes, a daily walk is enough to reduce the amount of medication they need.

How to start an exercise programme

Before you start, ask your doctor to help you check the condition of your heart, kidneys, joints and nervous system, to make sure that you can exercise safely. Some types of exercise may not be suitable for you. For example, if you have nerve problems in your feet, your doctor may suggest a type of exercise that doesn’t put strain on them.

Start slowly, so that your body can get used to it:

1. Begin by walking for 5–10 minutes, outdoors or on a treadmill.
2. Gradually increase the time by a few minutes each week.
3. Once your body has adjusted, try other types of exercise too, such as swimming, cycling, dancing or aerobics.

Diabetes treatment and exercise

Check your blood glucose before and after exercise, especially if you take insulin or diabetes medicines by mouth. Exercise changes the way your body responds to insulin and can make your glucose swing too high or too low (hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia). These are serious conditions, but with proper monitoring they can be prevented — and fear of them should not stop you from exercising.

Because exercise lowers blood sugar levels, your doctor may need to adjust your treatment before you start.

What does this mean for you?

Exercise is essential for all of us, and especially for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about which type of exercise suits you, and choose something you enjoy so that you stick with it. Exercise, together with a healthy diet, will help you to control your diabetes and improve your quality of life.