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Get active

You might be wondering, does exercise lower blood sugar levels? Regular exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels, lose weight, and improve your physical and mental health. 

Even a slight increase in physical activity can make a difference. If you have not been active for a while, start with just 5–10 minutes of exercise a day and add a few minutes each week until you reach your goal. 

Treating type 2 diabetes

Insulin treatment for type 2 diabetes
4 min. read

Insulin treatment for type 2 diabetes

Understanding the connection between insulin, blood sugar and maintaining normal levels is important for controlling type 2 diabetes.

Low impact diabetes exercises 

When starting a new routine, find an activity that suits you. This will make you more likely to stick with it and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Here are some ideas for low-impact activities to help you get started.  

  • Stretching and balancing activities like  Pilates  increase flexibility and strength and can prepare you for other activities, like swimming
  • Tai chi builds upper body strength, reduces stiffness, and combines mindfulness to help you stay focused 
  • Dancing is an aerobic activity: it raises your heart rate, burns calories and fat, and can support cardiovascular health
  • Exercising with weights can build strength and help with weight loss. If you are not experienced, do not try this without supervision 
  • Walking or hiking are enjoyable ways to spend time with friends or family – just make sure you wear suitable shoes
  • Swimming is easy on the joints and works all the main muscle groups 

No matter which activity you pick, what is important is that you incorporate as much movement as you can into your day.  Just remember to exercise safely - check with your doctor before starting any exercise more strenuous than a walking  programme.

Are you aware of cardiovascular risk?

People with type 2 diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to someone living without diabetes.

Learn how you can reduce the risk.

Read more

Find more information about diabetes, living with diabetes, and treatments

About diabetes

About diabetes

In short, diabetes is a chronic disease occurring when the pancreas fails to make insulin, or the body cannot use the insulin created. As a result, glucose levels in the bloodstream become too high, and the body becomes susceptible to developing serious health problems. 

Living with diabetes

Living with diabetes

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming at first, but coming to terms with your diagnosis, and managing your condition, is an achievable goal. Motivation, education, technology, and support are all critical factors to living with diabetes.

Treatment for diabetes

Treatment for diabetes

Diabetes treatment options for type 2 diabetes typically focus on lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight loss. However, some people also need diabetes medicine as well. For people with type 1 diabetes insulin is the essential treatment.

 

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References
  1. Diabetes UK. Diabetes and exercise. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise. Last accessed: May 2022.
  2. Diabetes UK. tai chi can help control type 2 diabetes. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news_landing_page/2008/tai-chi-can-help-control-type-2-diabetes. Last accessed: May 2022.
  3. Diabetes UK. Swimming when you have diabetes. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise/swimming-diabetes. Last accessed: May 2022.
  4. Mosenzon O, Alguwaihes A, Leon JLA, et al. CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021;20:154.
  5. Fox CS, Coady S, Sorlie PD, et al. Trends in cardiovascular complications of diabetes. JAMA. 2004;292:2495–2499.
  6. Almdal T, Scharling H, Jensen JS, et al. The independent effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death: a population-based study of 13,000 men and women with 20 years of follow-up. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:1422–1426
  7. Healthline. Are 5-Minute Daily Workout Routines Really Beneficial? Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/5-minute-daily-workout-routines-really-beneficial#What-the-science-says. Last accessed May 2022.