Moving Toward Better Health with Diabetes

Living with diabetes means taking care of your health in many ways—what you eat, how you manage stress, and yes, how you move your body. The good news? You don’t need to be a marathon runner to benefit from exercise. Whether it’s walking the dog, gardening, or stretching between emails, daily movement plays a key role in helping you feel better and manage your blood glucose.

Here are a few ways to start moving more—without overwhelming yourself:

1. Start Small and Reduce Sitting Time

If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or on the couch, try getting up every 20 to 30 minutes. Just 3 to 5 minutes of light movement like stretching or walking can improve circulation and help with glucose management.

2. Explore Aerobic Options You Enjoy

Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or dancing use large muscle groups and are great for your heart and blood sugar. You can even try beginner-friendly online workouts like Up to the Beat Fit—a fun way to dance your way to better health.

3. Build Strength with Resistance Training

Twice a week, try adding strength training with hand weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight. It helps maintain muscle mass and supports healthy aging—especially important for women with diabetes.

4. Balance and Flexibility Matter, Too

Yoga, tai chi, or simple balance exercises can help prevent falls and improve mobility. You don’t have to go to a studio—YouTube is full of great at-home options like Yoga with Kassandra or Senior Shape Fitness.

Ready to take that first step? Join our May Support Group Meetups where we’ll be talking about practical ways to include movement in your routine. Meetups are led by women with diabetes in a casual online setting—join from your couch or desk and be part of a supportive community!