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Diabetics Need to Walk More

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

February 9, 2006

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Walking at least three miles per day can help diabetics get healthy. That's the conclusion of an article published in the journal Diabetic Care.

Currently, most experts, including the federal government, recommend that diabetics walk 30 minutes a day. At an average pace, that's about two miles.

But Italian researchers think the distance should be greater. They studied 180 adult-onset Type 2 diabetics.

Sedentary patients needed to walk three miles or more per day to see real changes in their blood sugar and cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. And, frankly, more was better.

Those who walked 5.3 miles had the biggest changes -- and they really paid off. Walking three miles a day cut a person's medical expenses and risk of heart trouble in half in just two years.

Now, starting to walk if you're an overweight, sedentary diabetic isn't easy. You should see your doctor first. Stretch, and get good quality walking shoes. Walk with a friend on soft surfaces and not when it's hot.

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