7 physical activities that help manage diabetes symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body does not generate enough insulin or cannot use it efficiently to control sugar levels. The condition affects about 37 million people in the country and is also a leading cause of kidney failure and adult blindness and a reason for lower-limb amputations. Some remedies help manage this condition; however, one can also curb symptoms by regularly following exercises. Check out some of such helpful activities below.
Daily walks
Walking is an ideal way of managing diabetes. Try brisk strolls for half an hour three to four times a week, or take your pet dog for a walk. You can also track your walking progress through fitness apps to make exercising fun.
Swimming
Swimming enhances the muscles in the upper and lower body. Strong muscle movements while swimming helps burn calories, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. Swimming also does not strain the joints as other exercise routines would.
Trying dance routines
Dancing helps lower stress levels, burn calories, curb blood sugar, and benefit the heat. Dancing for around half an hour every day for three days a week will help improve symptoms of diabetes.
Cycling
Those experiencing diabetes symptoms should consider cycling for about 30 minutes daily, three to five times a week. The activity will help burn excess blood sugar and improve heart rate. Cycling is also known to help one get in shape without affecting the knees and other joints.
Climbing stairs
Climbing stairs helps the heart and lungs work faster, which benefits people with type 2 diabetes. Going up and down stairs for three minutes after an hour or two following a meal will help burn blood sugar.
Gardening
Gardening works as a strength training exercise and an aerobic activity. An individual may kneel, walk, and bend while digging, lifting, and raking the garden. This activity lowers stress levels and blood sugar.
Yoga
Yoga is a traditional low-impact exercise that helps improve balance, strength, and flexibility by practicing various motions, poses, and breathing techniques. The method helps reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Apart from the exercises mentioned above, one can hire an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal trainer. The trainer can help people achieve any health and wellness goals. An ISSA trainer may charge approximately $100 per training session. However, this cost will vary between individuals depending on their exercise regimes and other factors.
One should also know that they face a higher risk of experiencing severe infectious illnesses if they have diabetes. Therefore, they must consider taking vaccines and booster shots to prevent health complications. A treatment option suggested for patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with diabetes is a monovalent Novavax booster dose. The dosage is suitable for immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer).