The Power of Physical Activity in Managing Blood Sugar
Hello there!
I hope this email finds you doing well. This week, I've been focused on practical strategies for better health outcomes, and I wanted to share something that's made a tremendous difference for many clients struggling with blood sugar management - the power of regular movement. As a health coach who works with these challenges daily, I've seen firsthand how even small amounts of physical activity can transform health outcomes. Let me share what works...
With care,
Jerome Puryear, MD
The Power of Physical Activity in Managing Blood Sugar
As your Health and Well-Being Coach, I'm passionate about helping you find practical strategies for improving your health outcomes. Today, I want to focus on one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar levels: physical activity.
For those living with diabetes or per-diabetes, regular exercise isn't just a recommendation—it's essential medicine. When you engage in physical activity, your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which naturally helps lower your blood sugar levels. This improved insulin sensitivity can make a significant difference in your day-to-day management and long-term health outcomes.
But the benefits extend far beyond blood sugar control. Regular physical activity helps regulate blood pressure, improves sleep quality, enhances cognitive function and memory, and boosts your mood through the release of endorphins—your body's natural feel-good chemicals. In my years of coaching clients through their health journeys, I've witnessed how incorporating consistent movement transforms not just physical health, but overall well-being.
Getting Started: Your Path to Regular Movement
Many of my clients initially feel overwhelmed at the prospect of establishing an exercise routine. If that sounds familiar, I want to share some proven strategies that have helped others succeed:
Start small. Beginning with light exercise and gradually building intensity is the most sustainable approach. Don't underestimate the power of seemingly minor changes—taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther from store entrances, or doing yard work all count as movement. For some of my clients, simply walking up and down the driveway a few times daily was their successful first step.
Find activities you genuinely enjoy. Exercise shouldn't feel like punishment. When you choose physical activities that bring you pleasure, you're more likely to look forward to them rather than viewing them as chores. This positive association is crucial for long-term adherence—the key factor in seeing lasting health benefits.
Exercise with a partner. The accountability and motivation that comes with having an exercise companion can dramatically improve consistency. Many of my clients report that workout sessions become less tedious and more enjoyable when shared with someone else. Whether it's a spouse, friend, neighbor, or even a pet that needs walking, partnering up can make all the difference.
Set achievable goals. Creating realistic, measurable objectives helps you track progress and celebrate victories along the way. I've found that clients who establish clear goals—whether it's walking for 15 minutes three times weekly or gradually increasing their daily step count—experience a sense of accomplishment that fuels further progress.
Staying Safe While Getting Active
As you incorporate more movement into your routine, remember that hydration is essential. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity, especially if you're managing diabetes. Proper hydration helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and supports overall exercise performance.
For those living with diabetes, it's also important to monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise, particularly when you're establishing a new routine. This monitoring helps you understand how your body responds to different types of movement.
Remember that any movement is better than none. Even on days when a full workout isn't possible, finding small opportunities to be active contributes to better blood sugar management and improved health outcomes.
