Diabetes 2 And Exercise

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes every year is rising. One of the main reasons for this rise is the ever increasing weight of the average person and this is despite the huge amount of slimming, diet and exercise programs on the market today.

This is supported by the US Department of Health who say that over 80 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes are clinically overweight. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that you can help prevent this by exercising. Obviously you need to be careful when starting any exercise program and if you are overweight you may want to consult a physician before you start.

For those with type 2 diabetes or at risk, exercise can be as simple as a brisk daily walk. If you are not currently exercising, start slowly and build up. Simple things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to the local shops instead of taking your car can help dramatically, more than you would realize.

The first order of business with any exercise plan, especially if you are a “dyed-in-the-wool” sluggish, is to consult with your health care provider. If you have cardiac risk factors, the health care provider may want to perform a stress test to establish a safe level of exercise for you.

Certain diabetic complications will also dictate what type of exercise program you can take on. Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics can possibly pose a risk for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible retinal detachment.

Tags: Health, nutrition, exercise