Exercise for a diabetic patient is not a luxury but an essential part of treatment — it improves blood sugar control, circulation, and overall fitness. But choosing the right type is important to protect the foot.
Safe and Excellent Exercises:
- Walking: Best exercise — 30 minutes daily in proper medical shoes. Improves circulation and lowers blood sugar. Start with 10 minutes and increase gradually.
- Swimming: Excellent — no pressure on the foot and water supports the body. Make sure to dry feet thoroughly afterwards.
- Stationary cycling: Low foot pressure with great cardiovascular benefit.
- Chair exercises: For those with active ulcers — upper body exercises and ankle movements.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Improve balance and reduce fall risk.
Exercises to Avoid:
Running on hard surfaces (high pressure), sports requiring sudden stops (football, basketball), jumping, walking barefoot on any surface.
Important Precautions:
Check your feet before and after exercise. Do not exercise if blood sugar is above 300 or below 100. Wear seamless socks and medical shoes.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we design a personalized exercise program for each patient based on foot condition and fitness level.