Physical activity
Note: This page was written using AI as a supportive tool, all clinical content has been fact checked by a clinical professional.
Being physically active is good for diabetes. It’s important to remember that being active is even more beneficial if you are also making healthier food choices, not smoking and getting enough sleep.
There are many benefits of being active when you have type 1, type 2 or other types of diabetes. Moving more can:
- help the body use insulin better by increasing insulin sensitivity
- help you look after your blood pressure, because high blood pressure means you are more at risk of diabetes complications
- help to improve cholesterol (blood fats) to help protect against problems like heart disease
- help you lose weight if you need to, and keep the weight off after you have lost it
- give you energy and help you sleep
- help your joints and flexibility
- help your mind as well as your body
- help people with type 2 diabetes improve their HbA1c
- in some cases, this can help people with the condition go into diabetes remission
Making the choices right for you
In general, it’s best to try and do a mixture of different types of activity. This is because different types of activity have different benefits and use different parts of your body.
If you have diabetes complications or other health conditions that affect how much activity you can do, it can be difficult to know what exercises to try.
If you are feeling worried, talk to your GP or healthcare team first. They will be able to suggest changes that suit you.
Keeping active at home
If you are spending more time at home, there are lots of ways to get active and keep moving. How about doing:
- on the spot walking during breaks to make a drink
- stretches for your arms and legs whilst sat in a chair
- hoovering your home or washing your car
- using cans of food as weights
Keeping active on the move
It is surprising how a slight change of routine can increase your physical activity levels and help you feel better when you are living with diabetes. This could include:
- Getting off the bus one stop earlier, or parking further away from your destination
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalator
- Using your food shopping as weights
- Walking
- Cycling
Active Leeds and Heath Referral Programme
If you have a health condition and aged 18 to 64 and live in Armley, Bramley, Burmantofts, Chapeltown, Harehills, Hunslet, Middleton and Richmond Hill area, you may be able to access ‘LEAP’, a programme which encourages physical activity.
