Precautions When Starting on a Walking Regimen with Diabetes

A habit of taking long brisk walks can be a pleasure in itself, quite apart from being a part of a prescription for diabetes management. This is especially true if you are fortunate to live in or near some scenic surroundings.

Some people, whether they have diabetes or not, start walking on their own, or because of peer pressure. However, a prior medical check up is a must. Some cardiac and renal diseases make a sudden regimen of exercise dangerous. Please do not start a habit of walking for exercise without asking your physician first.

A dose of 4 kilometers covered in about 45 minutes at least thrice a week, is about right for most adults with normal glucose metabolism, or with diabetes under control. However, it can take a few months to reach such a duration and intensity of exercise. You could start with just one kilometer covered in about 13 minutes, and gain about 100 meters and lop off 30 seconds a kilometer every week, until you reach the peak level. Discontinue exercise immediately, and see your doctor, if you experience breathlessness or pain when you walk.