As a person with diabetes, you are well aware (or should be) of the benefits of exercise -- it improves your health by helping you control your blood sugar levels, and it improves your outlook on life.
Before you start or change any exercise program -- talk it over with your health care team first. Choose exercises that fit your health, talking it slow and easy at first, then gradually increasing the length and strength of your exercise program as you gain stamina.
At the start of an exercise program, always check your blood sugar level first, then do proper stretches and warmups. End your program with a cool-down period, gradually bringing your heart rate down until your breathing becomes normal.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If your exercise period is an extended one, a fruit juice might be appropriate, instead of pure water, to keep the blood sugar level up.
In your e-mails many of you have been wondering what exercises will burn the most carbohydrates. A word of caution when reading the chart below -- remember that burning carbohydrates will only take you so far in controlling your disease -- a low-fat, low-sodium diet as prescribed by your doctor and/or dietitian, and consistent monitoring of your blood sugar levels and taking your prescribed medication faithfully are the other parts of this 3-pronged approach to controlling diabetes.
After you've reviewed the chart, don't forget that you can also burn carbohydrates doing "little things" like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, parking you car further away from the door of the supermarket or mall entrance, walking to the mailbox instead of driving, doing the gardening instead of hiring the neighbor's teenager, etc. Just remember, moderation in all things in this stage of your life, including exercise.
Remember to check your blood levels before and after exercising. Also, exercising with a partner and wearing an ID bracelet indicating one's diabetic condition is a very good thing. If complications of diabetes such as diabetic eye disease, kidney disease, or heart disease are present, you should discuss your exercise program with that specialty doctor as well as your regular diabetes physician.
