Physical engagement of people with diabetes – advantages and risks
Julia Wójcik
2026-03-19
4 min. read
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Physical activity for individuals with diabetes
Individuals with type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose levels do not require oral medications or insulin should follow non-pharmacological treatment guidelines. This involves incorporating a balanced diet and regular physical exercise into their daily routine. In advanced stages of type 2 diabetes, when blood sugar-lowering medications become necessary, and in type 1 diabetes, where pharmacological therapy is essential from the outset, physical activity plays a crucial role in prevention. In addition to the benefits of an active lifestyle, regular exercise can help: maintain or reduce body weight, which positively impacts blood sugar control; lower blood glucose levels due to increased insulin sensitivity after physical exertion, allowing for a reduction in insulin dosage or oral antidiabetic medication intake.
Physical activity for diabetics
Individuals with diabetes can lead an active lifestyle, provided they implement appropriate lifestyle changes in accordance with medical recommendations. Type 2 diabetes is frequently linked to obesity, making proper nutrition crucial for preventing this metabolic disorder, which aims to gradually reduce body weight. Patients with diabetes should maintain a balance between meal portions and energy expenditure. Regular physical activity helps reduce body fat, lower blood sugar levels, improve blood pressure, and increase muscle mass. The most recommended form of exercise is moderate-intensity endurance training, characterized by efficient oxygen utilization, engagement of large muscle groups, and the ability to perform exercises for extended periods without fatigue. Recommended activities include swimming, water aerobics, cycling, dancing, walking, and home exercises. Those who have been inactive for a long time should start with gentler options like leisurely cycling or walking. In addition to endurance exercises, strength training should be incorporated, accounting for about 10-20% of the workout. A key component of any exercise routine is proper warm-up, followed by a gradual reduction in intensity and relaxation. The warm-up should last approximately 10 minutes with moderate intensity, preparing muscles, heart, and lungs for increased exercise demands. The conclusion of the workout should also be balanced, with the final 10 minutes dedicated to restoring the heart rate to its baseline.
Potential risks of physical activity in diabetic patients
Physical exertion affects glucose metabolism by enhancing tissue uptake, boosting hepatic production, and lowering insulin levels. Initially, the body relies on muscle glycogen stores, followed by circulating glucose and fats. In diabetics, blood sugar regulation depends on externally administered insulin, which may result in dangerously low glucose concentrations.
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