Exercise and Quality Diabetic Supplies an Integral Part of Diabetes Management

Experts agree that daily exercise is an important part of a healthy body. In fact, the Diabetes Prevention Program, a study done on people with pre-diabetes, showed that 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week, could help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. A side benefit that occurred during this study was that many participants also lost 10 to 20 pounds by instituting changes in their diet and exercise routine.

Many people push this aspect of their personal health care to the wayside. Exercise takes time; it takes effort and it takes education. Some assume it also takes money. However, for the diabetic patient, attention to exercise is as important as the diabetic supplies that are kept on hand in the home. The diabetic patient’s routine can be organized as simply as purchasing diabetes supplies online, ordering a book on healthy eating, and also taking some time to walk around the block. The point is, they should not t rely simply on the diabetic testing supplies that help track blood glucose levels; but also take the extra steps necessary to actually manage those levels through diet and exercise.

For many, the main issue is lack of awareness. In order to bring exercise into a daily routine it helps to know what type of exercise. If patients believe that they must join a gym or take a class at the local recreation center in order to get their daily dose of exercise, they may never start on their path to a healthier lifestyle. There are four types of activities that count as exercise. These are:
• Strength training
• Aerobic exercise
• Flexibility exercises
• Daily activities

A look at each type of activity may help the patient devise a plan for incorporating the right exercise into their life.
Strength training helps build strong muscles and maintain healthy bones. This enables the patient to carry objects easier and also enables the body to burn more calories during periods of rest. Strength training is frightening to a lot of people, but should not be. The goal is to tailor workouts to personal lifestyle. Strength training can be done right at home with a set of light weights or elastic bands. Again, the patient should go beyond thinking diabetic supplies are just lancets or measuring tools.

Aerobic exercise is that which increases heart and breathing rates. It is easy to get aerobic exercise through walking around the neighborhood for thirty minutes a day. If thirty minutes sounds like a long time to be out walking, the exercise can be broken up into several walks a day. If climate conditions prevent getting outside for a workout, consider adding an exercise bike or treadmill to the home. Social people can get aerobic exercise by taking a dance or jazzercise class or by swimming at the local pool.

Flexibility exercises are simple stretches which enable the patient to keep joints flexible. Stretching is important as it helps avoid injuries when performing other exercises or even daily activities. Stretching does not have to take long; 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and evening work wonders.

Daily activities are those things that most do that aren’t necessarily considered exercise, for instance grocery shopping or going to the mailbox. When performing these activities, people with diabetes are encouraged to walk as much as possible. Parking farther from the store or walking the long way to the mailbox if it’s not located right at the front door is an easy way to add exercise. Walking around the house more frequently, or working in the garden each day; when attending appointments, walking the stairs if possible are all ways to extend the benefit of more and easy exercise.

The goal when managing diabetes is to think “balance”. People with diabetes deserve to enjoy good health, but getting it is the individual’s responsibility.