How Exercise Lowers Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes

Start slow and work up
Even if you know exercise is good for you, it doesn't make it easy. Luckily, studies have shed light on the most successful exercise strategies for type 2 diabetes. Using a pedometer and aiming for 10,000 steps per day is one tried-and-true approach, although you need to determine what works best for you.

Overall, the goal is 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least five days a week. But it may take some time to get there, particularly if you've never been a big fan of exercise. In those cases, medication and diet are the preferred first step to get blood sugar down. Then you can start out with short (five-to 10-minute) walks before increasing your physical activity.

At first, physical activity may not feel good, particularly if you are obese, says Virginia Valentine, a certified diabetes educator who also has type 2 diabetes. If you are obese or have another condition that impairs your mobility (such as arthritis), you may even need a specialized exercise program.

Check with local hospitals to see if they have programs for the mobility-impaired, which may include chair exercises, yoga for seniors, Aquacise, or the use of recumbent stationary bikes.

However you exercise, you may be able to reduce your need for blood-sugar-lowering drugs if you stick with it.

"There are some cases where people have been able to be taken off medication," said Samantha Heller, RD, nutrition coordinator for the Fairfield, Conn., YMCA.