Does Exercise Help To Maintain Excellent Blood Glucose Control?

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 May 2015 Answered on

Sat, 6 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 68 year old female, type 11 diabetic. I was diagnosed 16 years ago and was put on insulin 6 years ago. I have quite a bit of difficulty keeping my evening blood sugar levels down. For roughly six months I have been walking on my treadmill between 50 and 60 miles a week. I wear a Fitbit to track my steps. My question is: is the amount of walking too much at my age? I am getting excellent blood sugar results because I walk in the morning and after dinner. Will I be doing damage to my hips and knees with this amount of exercise? It doesn't hurt me to walk that much, but my husband is concerned that I am overdoing and will injure myself??

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are doing just fine! Exercise is the best way to go!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Exercise is the way to go. What limits exercise threshold is your tolerance and not a theoretical value or fears. As long as you are able to exercise, do it. There is no damage to the joints because of exercise. Besides, this would help maintain excellent blood glucose control, improve your health and delay as well as reverse complications related to diabetes. Please, tell you husband not to be worried as this helps a lot. It is also very helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis. I cannot stress enough the importance of exercising as much as you tolerate.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you so much. I have excellent control of my blood sugars with the amount I walk and now will continue. I have no adverse side affects from walking that much and a huge accomplishment doing this as my sugars are very hard to control without this exercise. Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Great way to go!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Am happy to know you are sticking to what works. That's my best advice.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad