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Managing Your Diabetes:
Managing Your Diabetes:Being ActivePage 1 of 3NarratorBeing active is an important part of managing your diabetes. It gets your heart rate up, burns calories,strengthens your muscles and bones and may help you lose weight.And the benefits don’t stop there.Cecilia Sauter, Diabetes Educator, University of MichiganBeing active lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, improves blood pressure and can lower stress andanxiety. It’s so important to make regular activity a part of your daily life.Lance Miller, Diabetes PatientWhen I found out that I had diabetes it was shocking, depressing, but soon thereafter I figured out that Ireally needed to find the opportunity in my difficulty.NarratorFor Lance Miller that “opportunity” meant finding a healthier lifestyle, partly by eating better, but also, as heputs it, by “getting moving.”Lance Miller, Diabetes PatientYou don’t have to hit the gym every day. I take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. At work, instead ofemailing a colleague. I’ll actually get up and go to their office. When I have to park my car, I park it a littlefarther away so I get some extra steps in to where I’m going.NarratorThe idea of starting an exercise routine might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. No one saysyou have to take a spin class or jog on a treadmill, if that doesn’t interest you. You might prefer swimming orsimply walking more.Lance Miller, Diabetes PatientI’m supposed to walk the dog twice a day, but now I’m walking him three times a day. And it’s good for theboth of us.NarratorLance says all these little changes really do add up.Lance Miller, Diabetes PatientSince I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, I’ve actually dropped 40 pounds. I can go up the stairs easier, Ihave more stamina at work. I’m actually feeling a lot better.NarratorEveryone’s physical abilities and schedules are different. Talk with your healthcare provider to determinewhat’s right for you. Choose things that you like to do. That way you’re likely to stick with your goal of beingactive.Some tips: Take it slow: start with five or 10 minutes of the activity and work your way up to 30 minutes at atime, five days a week (or more, if you can) Don’t overdo it! While you exercise, you should be able to talk, but not sing Check your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to see how it effects your blood sugar levelsPage 2 of 3Keep track of your activity: which will help you feel good about yourselfFind a friend to exercise with, to keep each other goingTake a class: perhaps something you’ve always wanted to try, such as salsa dancing, yoga or tennisJoin an adult league and play a sport you enjoyMix it up: try a few different things so you don’t get boredJasmine Gonzalvo, Pharmacist, Diabetes Educator, Purdue UniversityThe most important thing is to commit to a realistic plan for being active, and then stick with it. You’ll feel somuch better, mentally and physically!NarratorBeing Active. One of 7 steps to a healthier you.© American Association of Diabetes Educators and The Wellness NetworkPage 3 of 3
Learn how small, positive changes in your lifestyle can lead to a lifetime of better blood glucose control.
Watch this to help understand how you can prepare for sick days and continue to manage your diabetes.
Learn how activity helps your body directly lower your blood glucose.
Follow this checklist to help you understand and use your diabetes medications safely.
