Initial treatment for adult onset diabetes generally involves altering one's lifestyle in the hopes of avoiding the need for costly medications. These initial changes in your lifestyle will involve your dietary habits and physical activity patterns. Many cases can be controlled through a lower calorie, high fiber diet in conjunction with a routine of regular exercise. Exercise mimics the actions of insulin by drawing glucose out of the blood stream and into the muscles where it can be put to good use. This exercise does not need to be strenuous, although some studies suggest that more intense exercise has greater benefits.
Consistency is the primary ingredient for a successful exercise program.
Four to five days a week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise should produce significant improvement in the control of your blood sugar levels. This exercise should extend 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your current fitness level, and include a gradual warm-up within the first 5 to 10 minutes. These sessions should also be at the same time each day to help ensure optimal glycemic control. As you become more fit, you should gradually adjust the intensity of the exercises to keep pace with your progressively increasing fitness level. You may need to decrease your medications or increase your food intake prior to exercise.