Diabetes Champion

Managing blood sugar, fatigue, and frustration—one bounce (and glucose tab) at a time.

It’s been a minute since my last diabetes blog—since the beginning of June, actually—and ironically, the reason I haven’t written is… diabetes.

I started a new form of exercise, and let me tell you—my blood sugars have been bouncing around like popcorn in a hot pan. Between the highs and the lows, I’ve been stuck in survival mode—only doing what absolutely had to get done (and sometimes not even that).

If you’ve never experienced it, I’m not just talking about feeling tired. I mean bone-deep, forget-what-day-it-is fatigue. One blood sugar swing is draining enough, but having both a high and a low in the same day? It’s overwhelming, frustrating, emotional, and just plain brutal. It feels like someone wrung the energy out of your cells—like twisting a washcloth until there’s nothing left.

So, no—I wasn’t exactly in the mood to write about diabetes when diabetes was the very thing keeping me from writing.

But today, I’m back!

So, what have I been up to? I’ve been bouncing—literally. I started rebounding on a mini trampoline, hoping to fight inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity, lower cortisol levels, and shake off those hormonal blues. I even added in some strength training—not because I enjoy lifting weights, but because one day I want to lift my grandchild without throwing my back out. I want to roll over in bed without yelling in pain because I pulled something in my sleep!

Why strength training? Because it helps build muscle that supports your joints, improves bone density (which is important as we age), and can boost your metabolism—all key for staying strong, mobile, and managing blood sugar more effectively (ACE Fitness).

Why Rebounding?

Rebounding is a surprisingly powerful exercise packed into a low-impact, easy-to-do-anywhere routine. Here’s why it’s a great choice, especially for those of us managing type 1 diabetes:

Improves lymphatic circulation: The up-and-down motion helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which supports detoxification and reduces inflammation (Cancer Doctor; Cancer Rehab PT).

Boosts insulin sensitivity: Studies suggest regular rebounding can help your cells respond better to insulin, making blood sugar management easier (Diabetes Care Journal).

Low impact on joints: Unlike running or jumping on hard surfaces, rebounding is gentle on knees, hips, and back—perfect if you’re dealing with aches or injuries (Cabral, 2016).

Increases balance and coordination: The slight instability of the trampoline challenges your muscles and brain, helping improve balance and prevent falls (Cabral, 2016).

Cardiovascular benefits: Even a few minutes raises your heart rate, giving you a mini cardio workout that supports heart health (Cabral, 2016).

Scientific support for metabolic benefits: A 2022 scoping review concluded that rebound exercise can significantly benefit overweight and obese adults by improving cardiovascular fitness, insulin resistance, and body composition (ResearchGate).

Low Cost: Rebounders are anywhere from $30-100 and when taken care of, can last a lifetime.

Back to rebounding: y’all—two minutes on that mini trampoline was enough to drop my blood sugar like a rock for the whole day. It was wild. That little bit of exercise could have such an impact on not only my blood sugar but my whole body. I had to make some major insulin adjustments, and that took about a month to figure out. But now? I’m up to 10 minutes a day and feeling stronger, clearer, and way more balanced. And y’all—I’ve been sleeping like a baby. Sleep is nature’s nurse, ya know.

So here I am—bouncing back. Pun 100% intended.

T1D Exercise: Quick & Simple
Talk with your endocrinologist to make sure you’re exercising safely (Type 1 Strong).
Move daily — even 20–25 minutes makes a difference.

Adjust insulin to avoid lows (takes practice — work with your endo!).

Exercise with minimal insulin on board; before breakfast is ideal, or before lunch/dinner if mornings aren’t your thing (T1 Strong).

Aerobic = typically lowers blood sugar.

Anaerobic = may raise it (T1 Strong).

Avoid workouts if BG >250 and ketones are present — it can spike higher (T1 Strong).

Always carry fast-acting carbs (glucose tablets are my fav, but juice or hard candy will work. Anything that’s a simple sugar. Never a candy bar or anything with fat).

Track patterns to improve.

Need some inspiration to get started on a rebounder? This article from Cancer Rehab PT breaks down the benefits and offers a beginner-friendly approach—perfect if you’re just getting back into movement after illness, injury, or, in my case, just being plain exhausted.

And if you’re dealing with aches, alignment issues, medical issues, or just need someone to cheer you on while your body figures things out, let me introduce you to one of my favorite doc, Dr. Rhett Kenny at Motive Chiropractic. He’s been an incredible resource in my own health journey.

References

Cancer Doctor. Rebounding exercise benefits

Cancer Rehab PT. Rebounder workout for health

ResearchGate. Effect of rebound exercise on overweight and obese adults: A scoping review

NIH. Lymphatic system stimulation through rebounding

Diabetes Care Journal. Exercise and insulin sensitivity

ACE Fitness. Benefits of resistance training for seniors