Data shows that 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, which is more than 11% of the U.S. population. It’s essential to indicate that this number cuts across all age groups, which clearly shows that diabetes is a critical health problem across the country. Fortunately, multiple treatment approaches, such as regular exercise, have been found to help manage diabetes. Some of the best physical exercises for managing blood sugars include:

1. Strength training

Recently, weight training has emerged as an excellent way to manage diabetes. Resistance training can help improve your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of heart disease, and boost your overall fitness. You can do this type of exercise at home with dumbbells or at the gym on weight machines. If you’re new to strength training, it’s a good idea to take a class or get help from a personal trainer. Make sure you warm up before lifting and cool down afterwards. Exercising with weights also promotes a better range of motion and helps increase your flexibility.

2. Working with a personal trainer

If you’re new to exercise, you can enlist the knowledge of a personal trainer to teach you safe lifting and exercise techniques. You can even find certified personal trainers who specialize working with people with diabetes. A good personal trainer will help you design a workout plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. They will also help you stay motivated and assess your progress.

3. Cycling

Biking is another excellent way to stay active and manage your diabetes. Biking can help improve blood sugar levels, reduce stress, and boost overall fitness. You can bike indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors on a regular cycle. If you’re biking outdoors, wear the proper safety gear, such as a helmet and reflective clothing. You can join multiple biking groups, or you can bike with friends or family members. Always ensure that your bikes are in good working condition to avoid accidents.

4. Brisk walking or hiking

Over the years, many people have turned to walking to manage their diabetes. Walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes can help regulate your blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Walking is accessible to the joints and is a low-impact activity, making it perfect for people with diabetes. You can do this exercise anywhere and at any time. You must ensure that you wear the right shoes to avoid injuries. Hiking can also be an excellent way of managing diabetes. It helps you to stay active and get some fresh air at the same time.

5. Swimming

People who swim regularly have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This physical activity can help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar levels. This is also an excellent way to stay active without putting too much strain on your joints. If you don’t know how to swim, you can take lessons at your local YMCA or community center. You can join a swim club where you can swim laps with other like-minded people. Ensure you’re generally focused on a physical activity that enables you to manage your weight while avoiding possible injuries.

These are some of the exercises that can help you manage diabetes. Regular exercise is an essential part of managing this condition. Talking to your doctor before starting any new exercise program is critical. They can help you create a safe and effective plan for you. It’s worth indicating that different people will have unique approaches to their diabetes management plans. Some might need to focus on a single activity, while others might combine multiple exercises for better results. The key is finding what works best for you and sticking with it.