Exercise might seem like a lot of effort but the truth is it’s an important part of managing diabetes. Exercise and a healthy diet are the best things you can do to take care of yourself.
Your GP will know which type of activity is best for you but being physically active should be a priority because exercise:
Can immediately lower your glucose level and in time reduce the amount of medication Type 2 diabetes sufferers need. Sometimes it can be stopped altogether.?
Improves metabolism and increases circulation to the arms and legs where blood flow to the nerve endings may be reduced.?
Helps control weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism.
lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension which are common in people with diabetes. ?
Helps reduce stress which can raise blood glucose levels. ?
Makes you feel better about yourself by improving overall health and self esteem
Best Types of Exercise
This will depend on what other health problems you have so chat to your doctor before you start.
When beginning an exercise program always start slowly as increasing fitness takes time, especially if you are just starting out or you have a health condition. Gradually increase the intensity and length of your workout as you get fitter.
Aerobic: Aerobic activity is exercise performed at a low-to-moderate intensity over a long period of time (eg 30-60mins). It makes you breathe deeply, which works the heart and lungs to get circulation going and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Try walking, jogging, dancing, skipping, bike riding (indoors and outside), water aerobics, mowing the lawn, bush walking, skiing, skating fitness classes and exercise machines like cross trainers and rowers which all build up the heart and lungs and get circulation going.
Strengthening: activity is also known as resistance training because you perform routines against resistance such as weights, exercise bands or your own body weight. Exercises are repeated muscle contractions which strengthen muscles (also called repetitions or ‘reps’). This builds muscle tissue and bone density which is important because fit muscles burn more kilojoules, even when not exercising, and this reduces blood glucose levels. Examples include sit-ups, lunges, pilates, rowing and weights.
Stretching gently lengthens muscles and prepares them for activity. Stretching also makes the body flexible and may assist in reducing the risk of injuries and muscle strains. It’s great for circulation and may reduce stress levels. Stretches are good when you are recovering from injury and will help improve muscle balance and posture.
Stretching can include areas such as the side of the neck, arms, shoulders, legs, ankles, calf, thigh (quadriceps) hamstrings, groin and lower back.
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Diabetes Management 
