6 Things to Know When You’re Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

The benefits of exercise for all of us are endless, but for those living with Type 2 diabetes, breaking a sweat can keep blood glucose levels in check, promote weight loss, and prevent some serious diabetes complications such as vascular and cardiovascular diseases. And exercise may help you get or stay off meds. Regular exercise can decrease dependency on glucose-lowering oral medications and insulin for those living with Type 2 diabetes, according to recent research in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.  

Your workout routine doesn’t have to be extreme. Diabetes Canada recommends 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise spread over three sessions a week for those with Type 2 diabetes. Ideally, you want a mix of cardio and strength or resistance training. Divide that up into a few days a week or aim for 30 minutes five days a week. Find a mode of movement you can handle and enjoy: walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, and using free weights are just a few examples of workouts that help with Type 2 diabetes.