Diabetes

Treatment and Management:
Physical Activity

For most people with diabetes, being active is a very important part of diabetes management. Exercise helps the body use sugar more effectively, and it lowers blood sugar level.

A physical activity plan can be as simple as taking a walk every day. Doing things with a buddy may make exercise more pleasant and you less likely to make excuses.

Talk to a doctor before starting a physical activity program. He or she may need to change your diabetes treatment plan to take into account the sugar-lowering effects of physical activity.

For exercise tips and information about proper exercise nutrition, see the Nutrition and Physical Activity for People With Diabetes (pdf) patient education sheet.

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