It is a common fact that physical activity is good for us, especially for those with diabetes. We’ve recently revised our physical activity guidance to reflect the latest research and expert thinking and we bring it to you here - in a nutshell.
For someone with diabetes, exercise can be beneficial because it can:
- Help insulin to work better and this improves your diabetes management
- Help to manage your weight
- Help to lower blood pressure
- Reduce stress
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
The Australian National Physical Activity Guidelines recommends you:
- Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. For example, take the stairs instead of the lift
- Be active in as many ways as you can
- Put together 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, most days of the week. A good indictor that you are exercising at a moderate level is if you “huff and puff” a little when you are talking during an activity
- If you can, also include some regular vigorous exercise e.g. power walking, or jogging
- Try to include some “resistance training” three times a week e.g. lifting some small weights. Repeat exercise 8-12 times
- Check with your doctor before you start to exercise
- Organise to exercise with a friend and make it fun
- Wear good quality closed-in footwear
- Protect yourself from the sun
- Carry some water to drink
- Warm up and cool down
- If you are taking certain diabetes medications or insulin check your blood glucose levels before and after exercise. Always carry your hypo treatment with you
Start today to be more active and enjoy the benefits to your health and general well being. For detailed information, read our new physical activity fact sheet here or contact us on 1800 136 588.
