hi, I'm fairly new to this site. I have had type 2 diabetes since September 2001. I am currently using Janumet and also Lantus 17 units daily and Humalog with meals. I would like to work to try and get off the insulin if possible.
I was doing 30 units of Lantus earlier this year and then started jogging and was able to cut it down. I have hurt my calf muscle and not sure if I can keep running or may need to take a break for a while. I am wondering if I should just focus on other exercises that might even be better for my diabetes. The YMCA I go to has a pool and stuff like an elliptical and things like that. I've tried the elliptical and even though the workouts are not as intense as running it doesn't bother my calf at all.
What is the best exercise to cut blood sugars down?
I prefer to bike ride. I ride Mountain bikes and road bikes, both types of riding can be done as intenesly or leisurely as you prefer.
I agree bike riding is good and if my legs (knees, shins, calves) are hurting from running there is nothing like riding my bike to restore the legs. Running is faster, easier to do, and can be done anywhere. I also row with a local crew. If there is any way you could do this I highly recommend rowing. Also, the running method shown here http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/11/02/magazine/100000001149415/the-lost-secret-of-running.html
has made running painless for me. And I'm an old, 50 year Type one. Exercise is the way to stay complication free. Mixing it up works for me.
I liked the link, I really appreciate riding as I have permanent damage from high school wrestling and football to my knees, I do like to mix it up with both Mountain bike riding and Road biking to keep it fresh. I do appreciate those of you who have been T1 for a long time, you are an insperation to me, I have only been in the club for 17 months.
I was a rider before my diagnosis, and will continue to ride thanks to the example of those like yourself and Tony Cervati.
This might sound ridiculous, but the best exercise for your blood sugar is the one you do. So find something that you like and want to keep doing and have a good time.
A slightly more helpful answer: I've found that time of day for me (with Type-1) matters a whole lot more than the kind of exercise. I can swim in the morning with a much smaller effect than if I do the same in the afternoon/evening. But even that lowers it less than running or cycling do. (There are charts out there you can find which show how many calories you burn for different kinds of exercise. Those roughly correspond to BG-lowering power, too.)
So in all seriousness, find something you like, see what it does to your BGs, and have a good time!
Craigslist is great for used bikes. People buy high end bikes ride them twice, store them in the garage for two years, and sell them for nothing, just to clear the garage space.
Greetings! I love to cycle. I particularly enjoy some easier mt biking as well as fire trail riding and green way riding. I find it really helps me not only feel great but does keep the bg's in check. I don't use insulin so not sure how that might work but give cycling a try.It is a lot easier on the knees and works you in other ways depending on the type of riding you choose to do. And its true, you can go as intensely as you like. Build up and go for it!