Overcoming barriers to physical activity

Exercise is the best defense for diabetes. There was a time when I was able to exercise for 30 minutes a day for about a month. I was able to cut my triglycerides and cholesterol in 3-4 months without medication.

At this time I was in between jobs and I could not afford to go to the doctor as much so I had to help myself. The results were amazing and surprising to me. I was able to have a little bit more freedom with my diet. Now I work at a job I almost live at. Since I don’t have the time to exercise so much I use the benefits of my job to help me. I have to sweep and mop every day and night that I work. When I go home at the end of my shift, my blood glucose (sugar) levels are wonderful.

These shifts are 10 hours and some days and some nights. This can seem impossible when it is suggested for diabetics on insulin to eat the same amount at the same time every day. So for me, prayer, exercise and diet are the only ways to cope with this disease.

Kathia D, 44
Columbus Junction, IA

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and set about to rebuild my life. I thought that I would simply incorporate diabetes into my existing life. Little did I know!

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old and was forced to quit playing soccer due to its negative effects on my blood sugar.

You can probably recite the long list of exercise benefits, but as you analyze your busy schedule, you wonder where-oh-where you can fit in the recommended 30 minutes (on most days) of activity.

Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 years ago, I have been managing my diabetes with eating right and exercise.

Even though I have days when I don't get out and move, I also have some days when I really surprise myself and push myself to walk...

I have a few aches and pains, but when I feel bad, I get up and move. It lifts your spirits immediately and also helps keep your blood sugar levels in check.

I do not walk every day, but I do at least 3 times a week. Every bit of exercise does help.

As a charge nurse and staff educator at my regular job, it is very hard to overcome the barriers to exercise. When I get off at my job, I feel like going home and sleeping...

I know how important exercise is. I am just having a difficult time getting started.

What I did was find an exercise buddy - and not just a person - her dog, too!

Just a quick tip here for difficulty starting exercise that might work for some of you.

My training is extremely challenging with diabetes, but I found ways to manage my glucose levels easily.

Seven years ago a friend of mine pushed me to attend an insulin pump meeting at one of our local associations and I dragged my feet and attended. It was the most eye opening experience of my life!

When I was first told I had diabetes in 1994, I was already on the way to tremendous weight gain and poor eating and exercise habits. I hated exercise with a passion! I thought I got plenty while walking the halls as a nursing supervisor; but I was wrong.

I exercised sometimes, but it was always grudgingly and almost any excuse was a good excuse to skip a workout. Obviously, something had to change.

Although I don't really have a 'story,' I do know that my biggest problem is lack of exercise. I know I need to do it but I have no desire or energy to do it.