Diabetes 102: Intro to Daily Activity & Diabetes

In America, we're told to get at least 30 minutes of excersize daily for good health. But what additional factors should be considered when you are a diabetic, and planning physical activities?

The Difference Between Physical Movement & Excersize

Although similar, excersize and physical activity are different. Exercise is defined as a type of planned, structured and purposeful physical activity. Excersize is ment to maintain or improve physical fitness by exerting safe and repetive movements. The heart rate is also increased higher than resting levels. Types of excersizes are:

• Aerobic

• Anaerobic

• Agility training

• Stretching and flexibility

Physical activity are any movements of your body that requires energy, and movement of your skeletal muscles. Physical activity includes all forms of movement throughout your day, including movements during leisure time, to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. More movements are required daily, but when done safely and effectively- a person can move anywhere between 120- 200 minutes total a day, and still maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What to Consider Before Physical Activity

When a diabetic is planning on moving for a long period of time, there are factors to consider, such as:

• How much we sit within a day

• Glucose levels before, during and after activity

• Food intake

• Length of physical activity

• If you're alone or with a group

• Safety precautions for low or high glucose

• Extra diabetes supplies

• Any additional activities throughout the day

I always go into anything new, with the mindset of first learning what it is I'm doing first. Then I can adopt a time, place, and safe space for me to work on bettering myself. I'm a yoga teacher, so safety and mindfulness is always in the back of my brain. Sometimes, I can get lost being a couch potato. But walking to my local park, gardening, or doing a load of laundry gives me an opportunity to adopt more mindful mannerisms in my movements. And in turn, my health.

Remember: always start off anything new in moderation. Do not over do anything, because you will do yourself harm. Please consult your doctor prior to any new physical activities.