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Type 1 diabetes   Type 2 diabetes | 2 min. read

Exercise and diabetes

Regular exercise can help you control your blood glucose levels, lose weight and improve your physical and mental health.

What exercise is recommended?

  •  Any effective exercise that you enjoy is good
  • Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity on 5 days a week (or 150 minutes a week). Examples of moderate aerobic activity are brisk walking, general gardening, slower cycling, water aerobics, medium paced swimming and ballroom dancing
  • For more health benefits / weight loss, increase your aerobic activity to 60 minutes or do more vigorous aerobic activity. Examples of more vigorous aerobic activity are jogging/running, football aerobics, circuit training, faster cycling, swimming lengths, tennis, heavy gardening, hill walking

Preparation for exercising

  •  Wear well-fitted, cushioned shoes or trainers
  • Before and after exercise check that your blood glucose is normal if you are taking insulin or glucose lowering tablets called sulphonylureas (ask your pharmacist)
  • Carry glucose in case of ‘hypos’

No matter which activity you pick, it is important that you incorporate as much movement as you can into your day. For more information, visit HSE.ie.

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