Research has shown that exercise programs for children with diabetes are a very important part of helping them to manage their condition. Physical activity helps to lower blood sugar levels, so for many children the more exercise they participate in the less insulin they will need. The damaging effects of diabetes are also greatly reduced by having a regular exercise program. There are a number of reasons why exercise also helps to improve your child’s overall fitness.

Exercise helps to improve your child’s physical abilities including energy levels, strength and overall cardiovascular endurance.

Blood glucose levels are lowered, helping insulin work better in the body keeping them more manageable.

For children with weight problems, exercise burns calories and builds muscle leading to increased insulin sensitivity.

Being physically active also releases endorphins in the brain which help to relieve stress and tension, helping relaxation and lifting your child’s mood.

There are many kinds of activities that your child will find helpful to their wellbeing. These can usually be grouped into three main categories.

Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and lung function, giving your body a great cardiovascular workout. Go for exercises such as swimming, jogging, running, cycling, in-line skating or a low impact aerobic dance class.

Strength exercises help to build strong muscles and bones but young children should avoid lifting weights. Swimming, as well as being aerobic, is a great overall strength building activity. Try adding push ups or pull ups to your strength building routine.

Stretching should be an important part of your child’s exercise routine. This will help their joints to stay flexible reducing the risk of injury during other forms of activity. Yoga and Pilates are excellent ways to stay supple and are also great for the mind.


Prior to starting an exercise program your child should consult their doctor or health care team, so that they can give them the go-ahead to do so. Whether it is at school or outside of school, you must make sure that the coach is informed that your child has diabetes. They will need to know how to spot the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to provide help if needed.

It is important that before exercising, your child should check their blood sugar levels to make sure that they are OK to start. They should also have a supply of snacks and water with them as they will need to snack during and after exercise and keep hydrated at all times. A supply of glucose tablets, candy or juice will help to quickly restore any drop in sugar levels.

By following a good exercise program, your child will feel healthier and will be more able to keep their blood glucose down to manageable levels. This will help them to take control of their diabetes and their life.