A lot of people wonder if it’s safe to walk when you have a certain condition. One of the more common ones is diabetes. In brief, walking is beneficial even if you have diabetes.
Our bodies are made to move! The right amount of exercise makes us happier and healthier. The same applies when you have diabetes. A little bit of activity can make a giant difference in how you feel and how you manage your condition.
In fact, if you’re not fond of gyms and don’t want the high impact that comes with running, walking is just about perfect.
Walking will build up your stamina, help burn calories, and improve cardiovascular health.
It helps the body use insulin more effectively, combating resistance.
A low-impact activity like walking is proven to reduce stress, symptoms of depression, and anxiety, which can be negatively affected by diabetes.
It helps improve the quality of your sleep.
Managing blood glucose when walking
Depending on the intensity and length of your walk, blood glucose levels can drop or rise. It’s essential to check levels before, during, and after exercise to see how your body reacts.
As a general rule of thumb, a piece of fruit, yogurt, or a slice of malt load are great pre-walk snacks. However, this can change depending on when you last ate and your blood glucose level. You might not need a pre-workout snack, but if you’re walking for over an hour at a brisk to fast pace, think about having a snack during your walk.
At the end of the day, if you’re worried or not sure about what to do, it’s best to consult your doctor before including new activities in your routine.