Exercise for women with diabetes: Juggling work, home and personal life can be challenging for women professionals, especially those who have diabetes. However, staying fit with diabetes or prediabetes doesn’t mean overhauling your life, it’s about building better habits.
Balancing work, home, and health is no easy feat, especially for women living with diabetes or at risk of developing it. Long hours, stress, and limited time often leave fitness at the bottom of the priority list. But even small, consistent changes in your routine can help you stay in control of your blood sugar, energy levels, and well-being.
Exercise is known to help in weight loss, and it is also one of the most effective tools for managing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity, says Dr Honey Evangelin, Consultant, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre. “Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose more efficiently, which is especially crucial for women with diabetes or prediabetes. Women often put their own health last, juggling demanding schedules and caretaking responsibilities. But regular movement, even in short bursts during the day, can help reduce diabetes complications and increase energy. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency,” she says.
Simple, sustainable ways to move more:
You don’t need an intense workout plan or a gym membership to stay healthy. In fact, practical changes that fit into your daily life often work best. “You can benefit from a 10-minute walk just as much as an hour-long workout, if you’re consistent. Movement helps prevent post-meal sugar spikes, improves circulation, and boosts your mood. Also, desk jobs don’t have to mean sedentary lives, small actions like walking between tasks, doing stretches at your desk, or standing during phone calls can make a noticeable difference,” says Dr Evangelin.
Pair this with good hydration, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep, and your fitness routine becomes a lifestyle, not a burden.
Dr Evangelin suggests easy fitness tips for women professionals with diabetes or prediabetes:
- Start your morning with light movement: A quick 10–15 minute walk, light yoga, or gentle stretching not only wakes up your body but also helps stabilise blood sugar levels throughout the day. Morning movement gets your metabolism going and improves mood, making it easier to tackle the day with energy and focus.
- Make strength training a regular part of your week: Include simple strength exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups using your bodyweight or light dumbbells. Aim for at least 30 minutes, 3–5 times a week. Strength training builds muscle mass, which helps the body use insulin more efficiently and supports long-term glucose control.
- Add movement to your workday: Long periods of sitting can impact blood sugar and circulation. Set a timer to remind yourself to stand, stretch, or take a quick walk every hour. Even short bursts of movement, like pacing while on calls or doing a few stretches, can reduce fatigue and improve focus.
- Walk after meals to prevent sugar spikes: A brisk walk for 10–30 minutes after meals helps your body use glucose more effectively, reducing spikes in blood sugar. Even a short stroll around your home or office can aid digestion and make a big difference in your post-meal energy levels.
- Hydrate properly: Drink 2–3 litres of water throughout the day to keep your metabolism running smoothly and to flush excess sugar through your kidneys. Staying hydrated also supports better energy levels, reduces cravings, and improves exercise performance.
- Do quick desk stretches and eye breaks: Combat stiffness from desk work by doing neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist stretches, or standing backbends every couple of hours. Don’t forget your eyes, use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent digital eye strain.
- Eat smart with balanced meals and snacks: Pair complex carbs like whole grains or fruits with protein sources such as boiled eggs, Greek yoghurt, or nuts. This slows down glucose absorption and keeps blood sugar steady. Keep healthy snacks handy to avoid impulsive eating or reaching for sugary treats.
- Make workouts social: Exercise becomes more enjoyable and consistent when done with friends or in a group setting. Join a yoga class, weekend walking group, or online fitness challenge to stay motivated and accountable. Social support boosts both your mental and physical health.
- Prioritise restful sleep: Getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night is essential for hormonal balance and glucose regulation. Poor sleep increases stress hormones and insulin resistance. Create a bedtime routine, limit screen time, keep the bedroom cool, and wind down with calming activities.
- Track progress and listen to your body: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to log your workouts, meals, water intake, and blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring helps you understand what works for your body. Don’t ignore signals like fatigue or cravings, adjust your routine accordingly and celebrate every small success.
