How To Keep Exercise A Part Of Your Diabetes Management

Nikki uses cute exercise clothes and fitness apps to motivate herself to exercise.

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on October 31, 2024

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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.

Additional Medical Contributors

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• Nikki NurseNikki Nurse is a writer, wellness advocate, caregiver, and content creator based in Brooklyn. She covers fitness, nutrition, mental health, and personal development.

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References

Amanat, Sasan, et al. (2020). Exercise and type 2 diabetes. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

Innes, Kim E., et al. (2016). Yoga for adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of controlled trials. Journal of Diabetes Research.

View All References (1)

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Valcarce-Torrente, Manel, et al. (2021). Influence of fitness apps on sports habits, satisfaction, and intentions to stay in fitness center users: An experimental study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

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