Being Active

Being active is not just about losing weight. It has many health benefits like lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, lowering stress levels and improving your mood. If you have diabetes, physical activity can also help keep your blood sugar levels closer to normal, which helps you successfully manage your diabetes.

It can be difficult to find the time or the motivation to start an exercise program. Everyone's physical abilities and schedules are different; choose the best way to fit physical activity into your daily life—whether it's walking to work, doing chair exercises, playing sports with your kids, or working out at the gym.

It is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program.

Steps to making activity a regular part of your life:

  1. Set a goal
    Decide what you want to accomplish. If you are exercising mainly to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.

  2. Make some time for physical activity
    Consider your needs and abilities, keeping in mind your available time and the activities you enjoy. If you don't like walking, any activity that makes your heart work harder will be good, as long as you do it long enough and often enough.

  3. Recruit a friend
    It's more fun with a family member, friend or co-worker who offers support and motivation.

  4. Start moving
    Start with something easy like walking for 10 minutes a few days a week, and slowly build from there. Choose an activity you enjoy and are more likely to want to continue.

  5. Measure your progress
    Keep a record of your efforts. Review your short- and long-term accomplishments and make any needed adjustments. Award your achievements!

Remember to choose activities that you enjoy doing and to set goals that are realistic.

Safety First

  • Safety First

    Each time you exercise, make sure you:

    • Wear identification
    • Test your blood sugar levels before and after each physical activity session
    • Wear clothing that fits well to prevent injury
    • Wear layers so that if you get warm you can adjust what you're wearing
    • Stop the activity if you are light-headed or short of breath
    • If you are on medications for diabetes, make sure that you have some glucose tablets or 15 grams of carbohydrates with you at all times in case of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).