How To Keep Exercise A Part Of Your Diabetes Management

Nikki juggles a busy schedule along with managing her Type 2 diabetes, so it’s sometimes challenging to squeeze in a workout.

“The struggle is real,” she says.

Here are some of Nikki’s creative tips for incorporating exercise into her routine:

• Feeling confident in her workout clothes keeps her motivated:

Nikki finds that putting on cute sneakers and matching workout gear gets her pumped up to exercise.

• Working with her care team to find exercise that works for her:

Nikki has a physical disability, so she focuses on gentle workouts like yoga and stretching. She also walks her dog every day to stay healthy.

• Doing exercise that’s challenging, but doesn’t cause pain:

If she wants to push it, Nikki will hop on an exercise bike or a rowing machine. But she makes sure to keep her workouts at an intensity level that her body can handle.

• Exercising with others improves her motivation:

Nikki uses a fitness app to connect with other people who are exercising, and it helps keep her on track to do more.

• Building rest and recovery into her routine:

Nikki knows that her muscles need time for repair, so she takes regular rest days, too.

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here and how she manages her A1C here.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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