Cardio or Strength Training - which is best for diabetics?

Talk to your doctor to make sure about what type of exercising is right for you. The type of exercise you can do will depend on different factors but the biggest will probably be your overall general health. Most doctors will suggest aerobic or cardio exercise primarily for diabetics because this type makes you breathe more deeply and makes your heart work harder. Aerobic or cardio exercises include just for example walking, jogging, bicycling, stationary bicycles, treadmills or even swimming . If you have problems with your feet , then you could swim or use a rowing machine or even a stationary bicycle. No matter what kind of cardio exercising you choose, you should warm up before you start and cool down when you're done. Try to spend 5 to 15 minutes warming up by doing a low intensity exercise such as using the equipment you are going to do your cardio workout on at a very low level at first for a warm up period. Do the same process at the end of your cardio exercising. Once you get a little routine with some consistent cardio exercise going on a daily basis then you can start to think a little about how you want to try to work in strength training if you wish. Just remember when you start any exercise program, start slowly and try to gain consistency so you are doing your cardio exercise program at least 5 times a week (personally I try to do something everyday).
As far as strength training goes, gradually increase the intensity and length of your strength training workouts as you get in better shape. Some people do their strength training 3 days a week. Some prefer 5 or 6 days with workouts broken into different muscle groups. Either way is fine. For more information on diabetic exercise programs and diet tips feel free to browse my website, Diabetic Daily Life.