【Learning Points】
  1. The benefits of exercise for diabetes patients include lowering blood sugar, controlling weight, protecting cardiovascular health, and enhancing mental well-being.
  2. Suitable exercises for diabetes patients include aerobic and resistance training.
  3. Exercise precautions for diabetes patients include avoiding exercising on an empty stomach, wearing appropriate exercise attire, carrying sugar cube, pausing exercise in case of discomfort, and monitoring blood sugar levels.
I.Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging health problems. Although the development and management of diabetic care have evolved over the last decade, regular exercise, tight diet control, and medications with good compliance are still the three key factors for treating DM. Among these, regular exercise is the most cost-effective method to reduce weight.
 
II.What benefits can you get from regular exercise?
  1. Exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity and help to lower the blood sugar. 
  2. Exercise eliminates excess fat, maintains standard body weight and improves insulin resistance.
  3. Exercise can maintain your blood vessel healthy and lower your blood pressure.
  4. Exercise can eliminate anxiety and relieve stress and therefore you will feel happy and relaxed easier.
 
III.How to do exercises?
Avoid short time and harsh activities, such as fast running, running upstairs, or lifting heavy weight. According to ADA’s recommendation, here are some ways you can follow:
Aerobic exercise
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Brisk walkingBicyclingSwimmingAerobic dancingWalkingClimbing stairs
Strength training
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Stepping in the waterLift dumbbellStretch band trainingPush-up
(Image source: AI generated)
 
IV.Ideal exercise suggestions:
  1. Patients with diabetes without comorbidities
    1. Regular exercise and avoiding sedentary lifestyle.
    2. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, e.g. brisk walking.
    3. 2-3 times resistance exercises per week, one day between resistance exercises.
    4. Do not exercise for two days in a row.
  2. Younger or better physical fitness
    75 minutes of high intensity vigorous exercise or high intensity interval exercise per week. e.g. squats, push-up, jump ropes, high kicks, etc.
  3. Type 1 and Type 2 children, adolescents and pre-diabetics patients
    60 minutes or more of moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise daily, e.g. stationary bicycle, walking in water, aerobic dance, or walking with legs raised, etc.
  4. Older people with diabetes
    Exercise that improves flexibility, balance and muscle endurance such as yoga or tai chi 2-3 times a week. In terms of exercise prescriptions, the frequency, intensity, type and duration of exercise should be considered according to the purpose.
 
V.Ways to exercise:
There are three stages of exercise:
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VI.Attention when exercise:
  1. Avoid exercise before meal, especially after injection insulin or taking hypoglycemic agents.
  2. Chose proper activities, and soft and proper shoes, sport clothes, and  cotton sucks.
  3. Do not exercise if your blood sugar is above 300mg/dl or below 70mg/dl before meals.
  4. If you experience illness (such as dizzy, trembling, cold sweating, or difficult breathing) during exercise, you should stop exercising  immediately. You need to check your blood sugar and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
  5. Chose the less affected part to inject insulin at the day of exercise. For example, when your exercises are primary for arms and legs, you can inject insulin in the belly.
  6. It's better for you to get companied with your friends when exercising. Besides bring ID or diabetic passport with you, and the ways to control blood sugar, medication dosage, emergency hospital, urgent contact, and phone number.
 
VII.Conclusion
Proper exercise can improve your blood sugar and improve your health. If you are worried about how to start exercising, ask your doctor or diabetes  health worker. Start exercising now and make it a healthy, happy part of your life.
 
VIII.References
  1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. (2024). Facilitating positive health behaviors and well-being to improve health outcomes: Standards of care in diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care, 47(Supplement_1), S77-S110. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S005
  2. Chen, L. W., & Wang, H. S. (2023). Effects of Tai Chi and balance training on peripheral neuropathy and fall risk in older adults with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3125. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043125
  3. Park, S. J., & Miller, T. (2024). Exercise-induced hypoglycemia prevention strategies for patients on insulin: A comprehensive review for educators. Current Diabetes Reports, 24(5), 188-201.
  4. Sanz, A., & Rodriguez, J. M. (2025). Combined aerobic and resistance training for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(2), 342-358.
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    English
    上傳者
    黃郁琇
    單位
    中榮護理衛教
    英文名稱
    Exercise with diabetes
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    英語
    癌症照護
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    2024-01-27 22:02:36
    最近修訂
    2026-03-12 14:41:15
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    2026-03-12
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