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Getting gym fit as a T1 Diabetic

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By *ambs Mike OP   Man 21 weeks ago

Cambridge

Starting my New Year’s resolution early! I hope to drop my weight to below 80kg again (weight pre covid but not for long)

As a T1 diabetic, does anyone have any advice to get gym fit?

Last time I did it with lots of swimming and weights but it knackered my shoulders. Also I’ve not hit the painful 40’s so my knees just hurt on a cold day.

Anyone offering moral support also appreciated.

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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago

Try spinning classes or Hitt circuits.. my favourite.. just mash it up and enjoy..

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By *essTTWoman 21 weeks ago

Birmingham

No but I will say if you get knee shoulder pain consider increasing your calcium intake or taking supplements. Unfortunately as we get older we get higher risk of osteoarthritis/osteoporosis

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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago

Type 1 diabetic for 28 years there is absolutely no restrictions on us. You need to find set programmes and then monitor your bloods from a stable level let's say 14.0 always a little high. Then you do your full workout and see exactly how your bloods drop. You can then drop your bloods to 8.0 and eat a good protein high carb snack with carbs based upon the drop. You will get a great energy boost and maintain perfect blood sugars. But in 2025 the medicine is so good anyone saying we have restrictions is just making excuses

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By *ambs Mike OP   Man 21 weeks ago

Cambridge


"No but I will say if you get knee shoulder pain consider increasing your calcium intake or taking supplements. Unfortunately as we get older we get higher risk of osteoarthritis/osteoporosis "

My shoulders was all tendon related. Apparently another side effect of diabetes. Taken years of physio to get them back to pain free full motion

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By *ools and the brainCouple 21 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.

Just start slow avoid overdoing it.

Do a 50/50 split between cardio and aerobic work.

Keep it light and stick to high reps to avoid injury.

Stay hydrated.

Avoid trendy shit , instructors will try to get you to do HIT stuff which is fine if you are already fit or a nipper, it's a quick route to injury.

Maybe look at mixing it up by doing a weekly pilates class for core stability.

There's nothing that should prevent you from training being T1 as long as you don't skip jab's.

Good luck

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By *essTTWoman 21 weeks ago

Birmingham


"No but I will say if you get knee shoulder pain consider increasing your calcium intake or taking supplements. Unfortunately as we get older we get higher risk of osteoarthritis/osteoporosis

My shoulders was all tendon related. Apparently another side effect of diabetes. Taken years of physio to get them back to pain free full motion"

Ah ok

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By *ools and the brainCouple 21 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.


"Just start slow avoid overdoing it.

Do a 50/50 split between cardio and anaerobic work.

Keep it light and stick to high reps to avoid injury.

Stay hydrated.

Avoid trendy shit , instructors will try to get you to do HIT stuff which is fine if you are already fit or a nipper, it's a quick route to injury.

Maybe look at mixing it up by doing a weekly pilates class for core stability.

There's nothing that should prevent you from training being T1 as long as you don't skip jab's.

Good luck "

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By *cottish guy 555Man 21 weeks ago

London


"Type 1 diabetic for 28 years there is absolutely no restrictions on us. You need to find set programmes and then monitor your bloods from a stable level let's say 14.0 always a little high. Then you do your full workout and see exactly how your bloods drop. You can then drop your bloods to 8.0 and eat a good protein high carb snack with carbs based upon the drop. You will get a great energy boost and maintain perfect blood sugars. But in 2025 the medicine is so good anyone saying we have restrictions is just making excuses "

It's not making excuses. It's just a bit difficult when trying to build a regular regime into a normal working life.

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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago

Sorry Hitt has proven to be a great all round physical class for me.. yes you should listen to your body but that should be considered when exercising full stop. Find what suits you.. but don't avoid something because others see it has a trend..

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By *picyFoxMan 21 weeks ago

Carlisle

First mistake is asking a group of strangers! I would consult with your doctor first, then head down to a decent reputable gym and speak to a PT, they can advise on do's & dont's and probably diet too.

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By *alley cpl 69 uCouple 21 weeks ago

Bridgend

If your getting joint pain knees, shoulders. For cardio stick to bike or cross trainer, with these they natural movement and smooth. Not like running machine where there's pounding on knees.

When it comes to weights use machine instead of free weights. It's what I have to do because of rotor cuff damage. Machine your not trying to control weights u can just focus on getting your technique right. That's the biggest part. Also don't go mad on weights as in heavy. Your better of lighter weights more reps. You will burn fat faster. Thats how I done it and lost 12.7stone in 11mths so I do know what I'm talking about. Hope you get to where you want to be. If I can help further Inbox me

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By *ister SmoothMan 21 weeks ago

Bramhall

I used chatGPT to design a programme specific to me, found it really useful.

Just give it a prompt telling it that it's an experienced coach specialising in health and fitness for diabetic, give it specifics about you (age, weight, experience, access to equipment, availability, issues). Tell it you want a programme with sessions, sets, exercises, weights, reps, rest etc. And tell it to ask questions to help it design your programme.

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By *ries69Man 21 weeks ago

Wandsworth

I'm a fellow Type1, 24 years for me. I usually do full body 3 times a week, sometimes I switch it up when the enjoy goes or I hit a ceiling. Morning workouts work well for me, I inject enough to tackle the morning spikes...get a protein shake and a pre workout shake down me. 1.5 hours of training finishing with an uphill walk on the treadmill makes sure my levels are stable. Works 7-8 times out of 10. The other 2 times...well...that's just the Type1 life eh.

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By *haft10Man 21 weeks ago

Wandsworth

Speak to a personal trainer with experience

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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago

First - good on you buddy - you got this

Second check in with the doc and a qualified instructor and follow that advice

Good luck 👍🏼

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By *hillchappy99Man 21 weeks ago


"Starting my New Year’s resolution early! I hope to drop my weight to below 80kg again (weight pre covid but not for long)

As a T1 diabetic, does anyone have any advice to get gym fit?

Last time I did it with lots of swimming and weights but it knackered my shoulders. Also I’ve not hit the painful 40’s so my knees just hurt on a cold day.

Anyone offering moral support also appreciated."

Hey mate, fairplay to you for taking that step. I work in healthcare. My advice would be moderate weights 3-4 times a week. Time your workout well, for example after having a high carb lunch and your insulin (depending on which you take) you can use that to fuel your workout. Start slow and build up gradually. Best of luck!

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By *erald 1999Man 21 weeks ago

carmarthen

I would say do which ever activity you enjoy be it gym swim cycling whatever, but also stretching or yoga , a lot of people train but dont pay any attention to flexibility

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By *ormalfornorfolkMan 21 weeks ago

Norwich

I recommend golf.

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By *atpurrWoman 21 weeks ago

Kent

Been T1 diabetic for over 40 years. I’ve recently lost 7 stone from a high protein diet , and swimming. It’s a full body workout including cardio. You can increase effort using leg buoy, floats and hand paddles.

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By *cottish guy 555Man 21 weeks ago

London


"Been T1 diabetic for over 40 years. I’ve recently lost 7 stone from a high protein diet , and swimming. It’s a full body workout including cardio. You can increase effort using leg buoy, floats and hand paddles."

Well done you.

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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago

The man said nothing about a working life he asked about exercise as a type 1 diabetic. Makes no sense your response to my helpful message 🤔

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By *estinyIsAllCouple 21 weeks ago

Staffordshire

Erik has dropped 8 stone by regularly going to the gym and living in a calory deficit but has increased his protein intake. It's hard work and requires a total overhaul of your relationship with food but in his words "after about 6 weeks it becomes natural".

Good luck! x

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By *udelawfsMan 21 weeks ago

A pristine town

Having type 1 diabetes makes maintaining a healthy weight and staying active even more important. I know someone with the same condition who embraced lifestyle changes, and it truly transformed his day-to-day life. While type 1 diabetes itself isn’t reversible, your overall health and well being can improve tremendously with the right habits.

Just be sure to make these changes with guidance from a healthcare professional,and take time to learn about what works best for your body. You won’t face many restrictions, but it’s essential to follow an appropriate diet and ease into any new exercise routine gradually. Consistency really does make the biggest difference.

I want to be honest..hearing someone take positive steps toward better health, especially while managing a condition, genuinely makes me happy.That kind of determination is inspiring.I wish you all the very best on your journey.You can 100% do it.

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By *R G 91Man 21 weeks ago

southampton


"Starting my New Year’s resolution early! I hope to drop my weight to below 80kg again (weight pre covid but not for long)

As a T1 diabetic, does anyone have any advice to get gym fit?

Last time I did it with lots of swimming and weights but it knackered my shoulders. Also I’ve not hit the painful 40’s so my knees just hurt on a cold day.

Anyone offering moral support also appreciated."

Cod liver oil is good for your joints..start off light and build the weight up

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By *razytimesinloveCouple 21 weeks ago

SW Scotland


"Starting my New Year’s resolution early! I hope to drop my weight to below 80kg again (weight pre covid but not for long)

As a T1 diabetic, does anyone have any advice to get gym fit?

Last time I did it with lots of swimming and weights but it knackered my shoulders. Also I’ve not hit the painful 40’s so my knees just hurt on a cold day.

Anyone offering moral support also appreciated."

Definitely do weight training and get a good coach/pt that will help avoid shoulder issues, same for knee pain.

Personally I’d avoid a number on the scales as a goal and just use it to keep track. I’m in better shape now at 105kg than I was two years ago at 100.

Instead go for clothes sizes or waist measurement as a goal

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By *host63Man 21 weeks ago

Bedfont Feltham

Go to your doctor or hire z fitness instructor for a month and work out programme that suits you

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By *teve NorthEastMan 21 weeks ago

Durham

[Removed by poster at 10/12/25 14:47:45]

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By *ove2pleaseseukMan 21 weeks ago

Hastings

Low impact start slow think more cross trainer than running machine.

A bike has less impact on joints but start with 5 minutes and build.

Think couch to 5k

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By *thLincsCpleCouple 21 weeks ago

Barton

I had to get fit/lose weight after a couple of serious health scares, double heart bypass and then diagnosed with stage 3 liver disease caused by a fatty liver (what George Michael died from). I went hard on the diet, stopping all alcohol for 8 months, cut out all sugars and dairy and stopped eating red meat only eating Chicken and fish, then I hit the gym, went at it like I had never been away for the past 10 years and ended really hurting myself, three months later when I recovered, I took a new approached and started Pilates classes and couldn’t believe how something that looked so simple could be so hard and make my muscles hurt so much; this class followed a body combat class and I used to watch in awe thinking I would never be able to do that. Fast forward 6 years I have still maintained my initial 6 stone weight loss tend to eat healthy most of the time, enjoying a drink at the weekends and eat anything in moderation, but I now do every gym class I can get onto, mostly Les Mills stuff; body combat, body pump, HIIT, and dance and Pilates, usually the only man in most classes but certainly fitter now than I have ever been, it’s all about the cardio and toning for me my joints are all too knackered to be lifting heavy weights. I wish you luck OP, but looking at long term lifestyle changes is more beneficial than a quick fix Yo-yo diet. My liver fully recovered after my weight loss and I believe Type 1 diabetes is also fully reversible given the right diet and weight loss.

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By *cottish guy 555Man 21 weeks ago

London

Type 1 diabetes is not reversible and I think it's quite insensitive to suggest such a thing.

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By *thLincsCpleCouple 20 weeks ago

Barton


"Type 1 diabetes is not reversible and I think it's quite insensitive to suggest such a thing.

"

My bad, type 2 is reversible not type 1, insensitive possibly but not purposely.

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By *antam AvershiresMan 20 weeks ago

Visiting

Swimming is very gentle on joints and whole body work out

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By *cottish guy 555Man 20 weeks ago

London


"Type 1 diabetes is not reversible and I think it's quite insensitive to suggest such a thing.

My bad, type 2 is reversible not type 1, insensitive possibly but not purposely."

No worries.

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By *urfdudeMan 20 weeks ago

WEXFORD

First step is to get a fitness assessment from a gym instructor / personal trainer.

Get a program that suits and set some goals and go from there.

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By *orgetmeKnotCouple 20 weeks ago

Rainham, Kent


"First mistake is asking a group of strangers! I would consult with your doctor first, then head down to a decent reputable gym and speak to a PT, they can advise on do's & dont's and probably diet too. "

100% this

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