Diabetes and Exercise Facts Diabetics Should Know

Diabetes and exercise is sometimes considered a cruel combination for the diabetic person, suffering from overweight, bloating, swelling, dizziness, and general malaise. As a diabetic you might ask, "how can I exercise when I feel this way? I am just too tired." If these questions crossed your mind, rest assured exercise can help and more importantly you can do it!

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of exercise is working out until we drop: aerobics, jogging, or spending grueling hours at the gym. We get discouraged just thinking about it.

The good news is that exercise simply requires that we increase our physical activity, we move, we do not sit at the computer or television all day long. Everything we do that requires movement is exercise regardless of what it is. Instead of thinking exercise is something we hate, we can learn to change our mindset to begin to think that exercise is a fundamental part of life and something we can love to do.

The key is to start slowly and to build up on our successes. The nice part about it is that since exercise is movement it need not be a grueling workout to get the job done. Take a walk with your dog or your best friend and enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience. Instead of taking your car two blocks to the grocery store to pick up small items, take the walk, exercise your muscles, and keep your heart strong.

Whenever you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Even this exercise can be done in increments. If you live on the eighth floor for example, you might start by taking one flight of stairs and then the elevator, until this you have built up enough stamina to try the second flight of stairs and so on. Before you know it the pounds will be melting off and you will feel more energetic than perhaps you have felt in years.

Most people enjoy listening to music. Why not take it one step further and dance to what you are listening to? If you really enjoy dancing you can join a dance club, learn new moves, go out dancing with your friends and have a good time. However, if you are the bashful type or the type that falls over your own two feet don't let that stop you; dance in the privacy of your own home. Dance into a new healthy vibrant you! Diabetes and exercise, diabetes and dance, doesn't that sound a lot better?

The above was just two examples of adding exercise to your existing situation. The key is to change your life style. Do it slowly, don't rush; enjoy the experience. Diabetes and exercise is not a combination package to make you miserable but one to make you healthier and happier. Once you begin to increase your exercise level you will become more agile, flexible feel less pain and lose weight. Whereas before you were too tired to do the things you liked to do, you will find yourself wanting to do more and more. Perhaps it was swimming, or bowling or gardening, you will once again feel strong and healthy enough to enjoy these activities.

The Diabetes and exercise combination also has other health benefits. With an increase in exercise, you will lower your blood sugar level, maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improve circulation, strengthen bones, joint muscles, lose weight, and increase heart, and lung capacity. Monitoring your diabetes and exercise program can also help improve your quality of life even if you have never been active or exercised before.

About Author: Carol Roach, M.Ed, B.A. is an author publisher and professional writer working with www.exquisitewriting.com. She hails from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and specializes in psychology and health-related topics. She also has diabetes. Carol recommends Fit4D (formerly Fitness4Diabetics) as a health coaching service for those affected by diabetes.