Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...

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release2find 04/14/2013

Since Sept, my doc and I have been trying to find a BP med that I did not react to (itching) or that held it to a desired level. Some of the meds had horrible side effects and I had to call in due to light-headedness or drowsiness or blurred vision. We are getting closer to finding the right combo. In the meantime, I have not added exercise to my daily routine and my nutritionist and the great folks here underscore the importance of doing so.

I have my DVDs-walking, basic training, low impact, stretching. I'm ready and I need it...especially after that 60 lb. weight loss. I am just reluctant to raise my BP since it is higher than the recommended level with meds.

Just wondering which exercises you all do and what benefits you gain from it; any precautions...Trying to get motivated and still trying to strike that balance. Thanks

deleted_user 04/14/2013

ohh yeah,, if you exercise well, that may itself bring your bp down so you might not need the drugs, or need a lower dose.

I do some stretches when I wake up. I do some simple yoga, I have gone to physical therapy for my back and do the core exercizes I was taught. Did you know that housework and gardening count for exeercise also? yes. and I do freestyle dancing around the house, so that instead of just slowly walking to the other room I dance to the other room, and I move to music while doing dishes and stuff.
It does make a difference.
and the exercise burns sugar so it helps keep my sugar levels down too.

deleted_user 04/14/2013

I joined a gym (found one for just $20 a month). I go 3+ times a week and start with 45-60 minutes on the treadmill, walking at a quick pace. Then if I have time I also do a few arm or leg weig machines. I help daily with the care giving for my father inlaw who is bed ridden so my time is limited on how long I can work out. I just fit in what I can, but something is better than nothing.
I started this workout routine after the first of the year as well as eating a more low carb diet. Since then I went from a size 20 to a 16 (and sometimes 14). This was all BEFORE I was diagnosed type 2. I can only imagine how bad my sugars were before I made the lifestyle change. I am however thankful I made the change before I was diagnosed because having to make all these changes at once would have personally been overwhelming for me.

mzizgayle 04/14/2013

I do weights one day, aerobics the other, and when the weather is nice I walk

release2find 04/15/2013

Wow, great variety - individually and collectively. This is motivating. Thanks. Will try a little of it all---will start with stretching and dancing and a little walking.

demutt 04/15/2013

I joined a gym too. I try to do 30-50 min on the bike and a couple times a week do strength training. They have a class called bodypump, which is available everywhere, that is an hour of weight lifting. That seriously pounds down the bs level. On the days I can't drag myself to the gym, I'll take a walk and do some stretches and core work.

If you're new to aerobics and particularly weight training, you may want to find either a gym or community center that offers fitness classes if for nothing else than safety tips. I'm so grateful to the instructors I had back last century - throughout the classes they were barking safety tips - don't lock your joints, posture/alignment tips and such.

Start off easy, don't hurt yourself and have fun.

jpf777777 04/15/2013

I go for a walk every day and carry my 13 year old dog. She can't hear or see very good but the nose still works.

mzizgayle 04/15/2013

variety does make it easier....I don't exercise at home on Saturdays since we go to the grocery stores, and I tend to walk very fast thru the isles, etc and yes that is exercise....cleaning house from top to bottom is a form of exercise

demutt 04/15/2013

Gayle
You're right about housecleaning - us townhouse dwellers get extra benefit. My grandmother said it so well in response to all the aerobics tapes back in the 80's - if you keep you house clean, you get plenty of exercise. My workout adverse friend quotes Grandma often.

demutt 04/15/2013

Based on your avatar I take it you do some yoga - that absolutely counts as exercise. It's also reported to be very effective at stress relief and helps reduce bp.

PinterestFan 04/16/2013

I have a hall that's 20 steps long. I go up and down a total of 50 times (1000 steps) after most meals. The first half, I walk as fast as I can. I bring my arms, straight up, then back to my side, alternating arms with each step - that really helps lower my blood sugar. It's simple and even though I enjoy it, I still have a hard time making myself get up and move, but the fear of not doing it
is motivating me for now.

I imagine you've tried LIsinopril for B/P. I take 20 mg a day for several years, even though I'm not able to tolerate many other types of prescriptions.

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