Exercising Safely with Complications

If diabetes has already caused some damage, activity becomes more important rather than less. It does need adapting.

With nerve damage in the feet, the risk is that you injure yourself without feeling it. Wear well-fitting closed shoes, never exercise barefoot, and check your feet before and after — looking for redness, blisters, cuts or anything that has changed. Swimming and cycling put less pressure on the feet than long walks or running. The daily foot check matters more than ever once you are active.

With diagnosed eye disease, some activity needs modifying, particularly heavy straining and anything that puts your head below your heart. Get specific advice before starting rather than guessing.

With kidney disease or heart disease, moderate activity is generally encouraged, but the starting point and pace should be set with your doctor rather than by a general article.

Stop and seek help for chest pain or pressure, unusual breathlessness, dizziness, or sudden changes in your vision. These are not things to push through.