Benefits of moving more
Diabetes can affect you in unpredictable ways, making it hard to know how you’ll feel or what type of activity you should do.
There are many benefits of being active when you have type 1, type 2 or other types of diabetes. Moving more can:
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Help the body use insulin better by increasing insulin sensitivity.
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Help you look after your blood pressure, because high blood pressure means you’re more at risk of diabetes complications.
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Help people with type 2 diabetes improve their HbA1c. In some cases, this can help people with the condition go into remission.
Hints and Tips
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Diabetes UK - Diabetes and exercise
Find out more about why being physically active is good for diabetes, whatever type you have.
Diabetes UK - Free resources
Whether you’re just starting out with physical activity, or you’re looking for some inspiration and new activities to try out, take a look at Diabetes UK collection of free resources - designed to help you get moving in your day-to-day life.
Diabetes UK - Blood sugar levels and exercise
Does exercise lower blood sugar levels? See more from Diabetes UK about how exercise and activity can affect your blood sugar levels.
Digital tools to help you move
Explore a variety of free online resources designed to help you stay active. With countless videos, articles, and guides at your fingertips, you can start whenever you like.
Ways to get active
See all ways to get active
Five in Five
Start building small amounts of activity into your day with Five in Five, a five minute mini-workout designed for people living with long term health conditions.
Kitchen Routine with Bill Bailey
Whether you're waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to ping, work up a sweat in the kitchen with these bite-sized movements from Bill Bailey!
Dance with Anne
Chair-based dance teacher Anne Little takes you through a really fun and energising dance session, broken down into 5 minute chunks with some really uplifting music.
Energy with Alex
Follow along from the comfort of your home as personal trainer Alex Orton guides you through mood-boosting moves to support your energy and stamina.
Boxing with Michelle
Join Michelle for a boxing workout that packs a punch. Follow along from the comfort of your home to energising music which will support you to improve your coordination.
Our stories
Explore more stories
Simon’s story
Simon is determined to not let his diabetes stand in the way of his great love for table-tennis.
Meg’s story
Meg fits in little moments of activity into her daily life while living with type 2 diabetes.
Darren’s story
Darren’s sense of humour has helped him manage living with diabetes and arthritis. This comes in doubly handy when it comes to household chores.
Chris’s story
Chris has gone from hiding his type 1 diabetes to playing football with an entire team of players who also have diabetes.
Zahoor’s story
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Zahoor made a point of finding more ways to fit activity into his life.
Diabetes UK
We are Diabetes UK. We’re the leading charity for people living with all types of diabetes in the UK. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm – it’s why we campaign for better care, give support in times of need and fund ground-breaking research into new treatments and a cure. Over 5 million people are living with diabetes in the UK, and millions more are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes – diabetes doesn’t stop, and neither do we.