Diabetes Management
How Many Steps Should You Walk to Manage Your Diabetes?
3 min read
By Apollo 24|7, Published on - 04 October 2023
Share this article
0
0 like
Walking is a simple yet highly effective form of exercise that can play a significant role in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes. It's a relatively easy activity that can be tailored to various fitness levels and can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Let’s delve deep to understand how many steps should people with diabetes aim for to reap the benefits of improved blood sugar control.
What are the Benefits of Walking for People with Diabetes?
Before delving into the number of steps, let’s understand why walking is beneficial for individuals with diabetes:
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Regular walking can enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing better regulation of blood sugar levels. This effect can last for hours after a walk.
- Blood Sugar Control: Physical activity, including walking, can help lower blood sugar levels. It encourages the muscles to take up glucose from the bloodstream, reducing overall glucose levels in the blood.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetes management. Walking aids in weight loss or maintenance, reducing the risk of insulin resistance associated with excess body fat.
- Heart Health: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart-related complications.
How Many Steps Should You Target?
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal number of steps for managing blood sugar levels, health organisations often recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Walking can be a significant part of this recommendation.
Is Completing 10,000 Steps Actually Important?
You may have heard that aiming for 10,000 steps per day is an optimal target for overall health, including diabetes management. While this can be a helpful goal, it's not a strict requirement. Some individuals may need more or less depending on their fitness level and diabetes management goals.
Individualised Approach
The right number of steps varies from person to person. Factors like age, fitness level, overall health, and diabetes type influence the ideal step count. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a certified diabetes educator who can help you set specific goals tailored to your needs.
How to Get Started?
To ensure a smooth start and reap the maximum benefits, here are some essential guidelines to follow as you begin your journey:
- Gradual Progression: If you're new to exercise, start with a manageable number of steps and gradually increase it over time. Consistency is the key.
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Pay attention to how your body responds to walking. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to understand the impact of your activity.
- Safety First: Ensure you have appropriate footwear, stay hydrated, and consider walking with a friend or carrying glucose tablets if you are at risk of low blood sugar.
Conclusion
Walking is an excellent way to manage blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes. While there isn't a universal step count, the goal is to engage in regular, moderate-intensity walking as part of an overall diabetes management plan. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right approach for you and remember that consistency is key to reaping the benefits of walking for diabetes control.
Diabetes Management
Consult Top Diabetologists
View AllLeave Comment
Recommended for you
Diabetes Management
Why is Controlling Diabetes Even More Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The Coronavirus can infect anybody in the community, but the elderly and people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, lung disease, etc. are likely to be most severely ill if they contract the virus.
Diabetes Management
Monsoon Care for Diabetes: 9 Things Every Diabetic Must Know
The rainy season can affect people with diabetes as during this time of the year, intestinal & functions become weak which can result in low metabolism and increased fat storage. To stay on track, monitor your levels regularly. Keep insulin and diabetes supplies on hand. Drink clean water to prevent infections, and be cautious with street food. Protect your feet from fungal infections by keeping them dry.
Diabetes Management
Can High Blood Sugar During COVID-19 Indicate Diabetes?
According to a recent study, several new cases of diabetes are arising due to COVID-19. However, this form of diabetes is caused by the acute stress of a viral infection and is likely going to be temporary. The blood sugar levels might return to normal after discharge.
Subscribe
Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter
Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.
Visual Stories
8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes
Tap to continue exploring
Recommended for you
Diabetes Management
Why is Controlling Diabetes Even More Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The Coronavirus can infect anybody in the community, but the elderly and people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, lung disease, etc. are likely to be most severely ill if they contract the virus.
Diabetes Management
Monsoon Care for Diabetes: 9 Things Every Diabetic Must Know
The rainy season can affect people with diabetes as during this time of the year, intestinal & functions become weak which can result in low metabolism and increased fat storage. To stay on track, monitor your levels regularly. Keep insulin and diabetes supplies on hand. Drink clean water to prevent infections, and be cautious with street food. Protect your feet from fungal infections by keeping them dry.
Diabetes Management
Can High Blood Sugar During COVID-19 Indicate Diabetes?
According to a recent study, several new cases of diabetes are arising due to COVID-19. However, this form of diabetes is caused by the acute stress of a viral infection and is likely going to be temporary. The blood sugar levels might return to normal after discharge.