Home Safety: Want to exercise, but worried about your diabetes and INR level?

Publication Date: 
Tue, 04/02/2013
By: Alere Staff

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Not only can it help prevent many health problems, but it can also help muscle growth, balance, and flexibility. No matter your age or health condition, doing little to no physical activity can be bad for you.

Exercise and physical activity has benefits for patients with diabetes and patients who are also taking warfarin. However, before beginning any new exercise regimen, it’s best to check with your doctor about what type of exercise would benefit you most. Diabetics must take several things into consideration before exercising: Have you checked your blood sugar before getting started, do you have food or glucose tablets on hand, did you skip a meal, etc.?1 If you are also taking warfarin, you may want to avoid certain activities that could cause bruising or excessive bleeding.

Work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity or exercise plan that you enjoy and that matches your abilities. Some patients may benefit from walking, stretching, or low impact activity. For additional ideas on how to make physical activity part of your life, read the article on Exercise & Physical Activity. Keep in mind that any change in physical activity should also be reported to your doctor so they can monitor the effect, if any, that your new exercise regime has on your INR results, warfarin dosing, and insulin levels.

  1. What I need to know about physical activity and diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/physical_ez/index.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2011.