Exercising When Dealing With Diabetic Neuropathy

Taking control of your health is a great commitment, regardless of your age. But taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle can be a bit complicated for those living with diabetic neuropathy. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing some tips for exercising if you are living with this condition. 

While many people know that an exercise routine will work wonders for their health, they also don’t know where to begin and what exercises they can do for diabetes management. 

It can’t be overstated how successful exercise is for those living with diabetic neuropathy, but what exercises should you be doing? Read on for our suggestions. 

Cardio: Aerobic activity, like cycling, running, or participating in an energetic sport like basketball, improves the health of your blood vessels. This type of regular physical activity will also decrease blood sugar levels, which will boost nerve function and circulation. If biking or running isn’t your thing, swimming is a great choice for those with diabetic neuropathy. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Wear proper footwear

• Pay attention to scrapes and cuts

• Perform a daily foot check

• Monitor your blood sugar 

Strength Training: The right strength-training regimen will improve your stability and balance, but it’s important that it’s done in the right way at the right speed. We typically recommend that you stay confined to exercises that require you to remain seated when lifting heavy weights. Heavier squats are not a good idea if diabetic neuropathy has affected your stability and balance. It’s okay to perform lifts that test your stabilizer muscles, but don’t do too much too quickly. 

Mindful Exercises: We all know that stress is detrimental to our health, but it’s also harmful for diabetes management. If you work to lower your blood pressure and stress levels, it will be advantageous for your diabetes management. 

Yoga or meditation are great options, because being relaxed and soothed is not only beneficial for your blood pressure, but your overall mental health as well. While we usually try to put a focus on the scientific aspects of diabetes, we understand that there’s an emotional and mental element to any disease.

If you like more information regarding your neuropathy, call in the experts. Our podiatrists, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC can help get - and keep - your diabetic feet healthy. Call our office today to schedule a consultation; you can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.