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Physical activity is very important for people with diabetes! Good news – it’s not as hard as you might think to be more active. Being More Active Is Better for YouIf you have diabetes, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy), which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage. Being physically active can be fun. When it’s possible, go outside with a friend, connect, and enjoy the weather. Some additional benefits include:
How To Benefit From Physical ActivityThe goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. One way to do this is to try to fit in at least 20 to 25 minutes of activity every day. Also, on 2 or more days a week, include activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). Examples of moderate-intensity physical activities include:
These activities work your large muscles, increase your heart rate, and make you breathe harder, which are important goals for fitness. Stretching helps to make you flexible and prevent soreness after being physically active. Find out more by reading tips for being active with diabetes pdf icon[PDF – 240 KB]. Ways To Get StartedFinding an activity you enjoy and having a partner helps you stick with it.
Ways To Turn Excuses Into SolutionsFor every excuse, there is a workable solution. Listed below are some of the most common excuses and suggested solutions.
Protect your feet by wearing cotton socks with well-fitting athletic shoes. Before starting any physical activity, check with your health care provider to talk about the best physical activities for you. Be sure to discuss which activities you like, how to prepare, and what you should avoid.
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