Tips To Help Diabetics Walk Better

Posted by Laurence in Blog

If you’re going to choose an exercise, the most versatile one is walking. However, there are lots of things to consider when you go for a walk. Here are some great tips to help diabetics walk better.

It’s essential that you check your sugar levels before you walk and after you finish. If it’s too low, have something with carbohydrates. If it’s too high, postpone the walk until your levels level out. If you have just starting a new walking regime or are planning a very long walk, take your testing kit and some food with you as a precaution.

Make walking a regular habit. It’s not very helpful if you only do it once or twice. A minimum of three times a week is needed but if you can manage it every day, that’s going to be better. Consult your doctor or endocrinologist if you have any concerns about exercise.

Monitor your sugar levels as you build your walking up because you may need to alter your insulin as you increase your fitness level. The best time to walk is one or two hours after a meal because then your insulin levels should be back to a normal level. The best time of day to walk is in the morning.

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. If you’re planning a long walk, carry a water bottle. It’s also a good idea to drink a glass of water before you start walking and another one as soon as you finish. If you plan to walk for longer than two hours, you may need to drink a suitable sports drink that can also replace the salt levels in your body.

If you walk alone, don’t walk in an isolated area. If you do need help, at least then someone will find you. If you can walk with a family member or a friend, it’s generally a better idea for safety reasons and also for the company.

Always carry identification and a cell phone with you just in case you need help. It’s also a good idea to carry a snack in case your sugar levels drop and you need a quick fix.

It’s important to start slowly and build your walking up over a period of time. You’ll notice that your fitness level will improve and you’ll be able to walk a longer distance without tiring as quickly.

It’s important to listen to your body’s signals. If you feel dizziness, shaky, out of breath or your heart starts racing, you should stop immediately. You may only need a few minutes to rest before you start to feel normal again. But it’s important not to push yourself too much, especially at the beginning.

If you follow all these tips, you’ll find that you’ll enjoy the walk and your fitness level will improve to the point that you’ll be able to walk longer distances in a short period time and with a lot less effort than you could at the beginning.