Take regular exercise and stay active
Regular exercise helps to:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Manage your weight
- Keep your heart healthy
All of these things will help your diabetes and your kidneys.
What exercise should I be doing?
Exercising does not mean that you have to run a marathon. Start with gentle activity for short periods of time (10 minutes) e.g. brisk walking, swimming. You should be aiming to make your heart beat and breathing rate a little faster but you should still be able to hold a conversation. As you get stronger you can increase the length of each session. You should be aiming for 30 minutes of activity five times a week.
Try to exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times a week
There are lots of ways in which you can put more activity into your everyday routine:
- Walking to the shops
- Getting off the bus one stop early
- Taking the stairs
If you find it difficult to leave the house you can still exercise at home. For a 10 minute session you could march on the spot, or step up and down on a step.
Exercise is more fun with other people. Ask your GP for information on local groups or get together to exercise with your friends and family.
Top exercising tips
Walking to the local shops instead of driving.
Taking a quick walk during your lunch break.
Getting off the bus one stop early will give you some extra walking time.
Taking the stairs instead of the lift. You can start with just a few flights and build up over time.
Doing some gardening. 45 minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.
Useful links
Think Kidneys
Think Kidneys – the national campaign to raise awareness of our kidneys – their importance for life and health and how to look after them.
