How much should I exercise if I have diabetes?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Exercise is key to controlling your blood sugar and staying healthy if you have diabetes. Before you start an exercise program, though, check with your doctor to find out what kind of exercise program is safe for you. Ask about any precautions you should take to make sure your blood sugar doesn't get too low during or after exercise.
The ultimate goal is 30 to 45 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, at least 5 days a week. If you are out of shape, you'll want to work up to this over several weeks, starting with as little as 5 or 10 minutes and increasing the amount of time you exercise each day. It's fine to exercise for more than 45 minutes at a time, but if you do, make sure you check your blood sugar level after 45 minutes to make sure it hasn't gotten too low.
Exercise is key to controlling your blood sugar and staying healthy if you have diabetes. Before you start an exercise program, though, check with your doctor to find out what kind of exercise program is safe for you. Ask about any... More -
American Diabetes Association answered:The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest how much activity Americans should do. Keep in mind they are goals, not the place to start:
- People with prediabetes, diabetes, or the general adult public should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes most days. Walking, gardening, doing yard work, swimming, or cleaning house will all work to meet this goal -- anything that increases your heart rate and causes you to break a light sweat.
- Children and teens should aim for at least 60 minutes most days.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest how much activity Americans should do. Keep in mind they are goals, not the place to start: People with prediabetes, diabetes, or the general adult public should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes... More -
William Lee Dubois answered:How much you should exercise depends on your goals and your health. Everyone should exercise some. Even 20 minutes per day will lower your blood sugar for 24 hours. Two ten minute walks is as effective as one 20 minute walk. Exercise is good for the body, good for the soul, good for the blood sugar, but not actually that good for losing weight.
Find out more about this book: The Born-Again Diabetic: The handbook to help you get your diabetes in cont...
How much you should exercise depends on your goals and your health. Everyone should exercise some. Even 20 minutes per day will lower your blood sugar for 24 hours. Two ten minute walks is as effective as one 20 minute walk. Exercise is good for the... More
