Being physically active is good for people with diabetes – whether it is type 1 or type 2.
Regular physical activity can play a key role in managing diabetes.
Physical activity doesn’t need to mean workouts at the gym or intense exercise. Even small amounts of regular activity can be beneficial. Before trying any new exercises it is important to check with your GP first, they can help you decide what is safe and consider any complications. If you’re not currently active, it is recommended you start small and build up your levels gradually.
If you use insulin or other medication that lowers your blood sugar levels, it’s important to check them before and after exercise.
Visit Diabetes UK, Exercise and blood sugar page for more information.
Diabetes can make it hard to know what type of activity to do, or how you will feel when doing it. If you’re new to exercising it is important to start gradually and build up levels of activity slowly. Listen to your body and do what is right for you. There isn’t one particular type of physical activity that’s best with people with diabetes. Anything that gets your body moving will have a positive impact. Finding something you enjoy, and that you can fit into your routine, can mean you will be more likely to continue being active.
Find some suggestions of activities to start with below. Scroll down to find a link to our Activity Finder, to search for physical activity sessions and clubs near to you in Lincolnshire.
Walking is a great way to get active, it’s completely free and you can do it anywhere! A regular brisk walk will not only boost your physical health, its also great for your mental wellbeing to get active outdoors. You don’t have to go on long walks to feel the benefits, short burst of activity throughout your day all add up.
Walking can lower your blood pressure, support your joints, help you keep at a healthy weight, build your muscle strength and improve your memory and boost your mood.
If you’d like the social aspect of walking with other people, and want to discover new routes in your local area Lincolnshire co-op run regular Wellbeing Walks at locations across Lincolnshire. All the walks are generally easy and accessible, and they are led by friendly, specially trained volunteers who are on hand to provide support and encouragement. Find out more about the walks here, or use our our activity finder to find a group near to you.
Chair based exercise classes and chair based yoga are gentle seated exercise classes that are particularly suitable for people with reduced mobilitiy. They are also a great way to improve posture and balance. Some sessions will use resistance bands and hand weights for strengthening muscles. Many sessions are aimed at over 55’s, but would welcome people with a health condition. You can also find chair based yoga, which can be great for improving your flexibility.
Sport can be a great way to enjoy being active with others and have fun. Finding an activity you enjoy is important as it means you are much more likely to keep it up long-term.
You might want to try a new sport that you can take at your own pace – take a look at our Try Something Different page, for ideas including New Age Kurling, Pickleball and Archery.
The We Are Undefeatable physical activity app, has been created for people with long term health conditions, including diabetes to exercise safely. It is ideal for people new to exercise and includes chair-based workouts.
For John Paul, being active and exercise has been an important part of managing his diabetes. He was refererred to a 12 week exercise on prescription programme through Magna Vitae. As well as helping him lose weight and manage his diabetes exercise has been really beneficial for his mental health.
“It’s hard to start being active when you’ve not done it before, but there are benefits. You will feel better, you will look better to yourself. I can highly recommend it. Each journey starts with a step – make the first step.”
Find organisations offering further support and help with being active with diabetes by following the links below.
Diabetes UK is the national charity supporting those living with Diabetes. There website has comprehensive information about living with diabetes, including advice on being active.
We Are Undefeatable is a campaign supporting people with a long term health condition to get active. Find advice on getting active with a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, plus free digital tools, resources and inspiration to help you get started.
Moving Medicine is a website providing advice for people with health conditions to move safely and confidently. They have information on moving with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as a variety of other health conditions.
One You Lincolnshire can support Lincolnshire residents with healthy lifestyle changes. They work with leisure centres across the county to offer an Exercise on Prescription service, which provides free access to a selected leisure centre, and support from a qualified exercise specialist.
The NHS Diabetes prevention programme can help those at high risk of type 2 diabetes to make lifestyle changes and reduce their risk.
Find information about symptoms, causes and treatments for diabetes.
