Regular exercise is a safe and recommended way to help lower blood sugar and reduce weight for people with diabetes. It can seem overwhelming to suddenly incorporate exercise into your daily life, but with these simple tips, you can improve your health and your diabetes!
- Set realistic, small goals – Writing them down can serve as a visual reminder
- Start with walking – build your way up from walking 10 minutes a day
- Use a pedometer to monitor your daily activity
- Increase overall activity – take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk to a nearby store rather than driving
- Do stretching exercises – Yoga and Pilates are great ways to keep your joints and muscles limber
- Do balancing exercises – Standing on one leg, or walking backwards are simple ways to improve your balance
- Join a class – A structured class can be help you to be accountable and guarantee a solid workout
- Have a buddy – Exercising can be easier and more fun when you have a friend with you
- Monitor your blood glucose frequently – Keeping tabs on your blood sugar will help you see results and stay motivated
- Stay hydrated – Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after exercise
Before starting an exercise regimen, it is important to ensure that your feet and body are as healthy as possible. Seeing a foot care specialist can help ensure that foot complications can be prevented and treated, and can be a helpful resource for other exercise tips.
Your Next Step is a podiatry practice in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA that provides high quality, individualized foot and ankle care for a children to seniors. Our team of skilled board-certified podiatrists Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen ensures that each patient is provided with compassionate, quality care and uses innovative technologies to treat all types of foot and ankle issues such as chronic heel pain, sports injuries, fungal infections, toe deformities, arthritis and neuromas. To schedule an appointment or find out more, please contact us online today!