Be realistic about your workouts.
Even if your doctor has said you can work out, you still don’t want to jump straight into an intensive, three-hour exercise routine. Patients with diabetes often haven’t had a regular workout schedule for some time, so it’s important to start slow.
If you’re particularly new to exercise, a ten-minute walk may be enough to start with. Slowly add time and intensity to your workout from there, until you’ve reached the ability to work out vigorously for half an hour to an hour without feeling like you’re going to pass out.
Strength training has been shown to help increase sensitivity to insulin and help lower blood glucose levels, so it should definitely factor into your exercise routine. However, this doesn’t mean you should aim to be a bodybuilder. Keep your goals attainable—incorporate weights slowly and never push yourself past what your body will safely allow.
Most importantly, remember your body is different from everyone else’s. And that means you have to make allowances sometimes. Only you know what your body is capable of, and if a workout doesn’t feel right, chances are that it might not be.
Did you know...
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!