Over 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, and in the 1990s, the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes spiked by a 30 percent increase because of the obesity epidemic. If you have diabetes, staying overweight will lead to serious complications that cause blindness, stroke, kidney failure and amputations. That’s why it’s so important to get healthy by watching your diet and making a conscious effort to exercise more.
When you exercise, you’re helping to control the way that your body regulates its glucose levels. You must focus on developing a workout routine that covers aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility so that all your organs are functioning optimally.
But perhaps the most important thing about planning a workout routine is to have fun. If you’re dragging yourself into your workout each day just to get it over with, it will be that much harder to commit to. What can you do each day that is convenient and that you’ll look forward to?
Dancing, swimming, hiking, biking and skiing are all excellent cardiovascular exercises that people enjoy without thinking about how many calories they’re burning the whole time. Perhaps your primary concern is convenience — purchase a couple of aerobic dance videos that you can pop into your DVD player, invest in a stationary exercise bike, or work out at the gym during your lunch break. For those who need assistance with exercise, there’s even an exercise bike called the Theracycle that picks up on the pressure you’re putting on the pedals and it’s smart motor will help you to push. You can work each of these options into your day without the hassle of driving somewhere remote.
The first goal in weight management is to move more. Just move! Cut back on your television time and choose something that gets your limbs in action. If you can find one active thing you enjoy doing, you’ll find that losing weight is secondary to the fun you’re having. Not only will you look better, you’ll feel better and prevent complications from diabetes.