Texas Health offers education on exercise and stress management to help you not only manage diabetes but live healthy with it.
For those who are pursuing a healthy lifestyle, exercise is key to living well. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing the disease, regular movement should be a part of your everyday life. Make sure to find something you like doing, and work with experts to create a routine that you can stick to.
Physical Activity is Important
Getting — and staying — physically active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Why? It can help your body control blood glucose levels, help control your weight, lower your blood pressure and more. People living with diabetes will also be interested to know that physical activity can help with blood flow, reducing risk for heart disease and nerve damage, which often affect people with the disease. Combined with proper nutrition and meal planning, taking medications as prescribed and managing stress, exercise is essential to living a full and active lifestyle with diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, benefits of regular physical activity include:
- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
- Lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke
- Burning calories to help you lose or maintain weight
- Increasing your energy for daily activities
- Helping you sleep better
- Relieving stress
- Strengthening your heart and improving blood circulation
- Strengthening your muscles and bones
- Keeping your joints flexible
- Improving your balance to prevent falls
- Reducing symptoms of depression and improving quality of life
If you haven't been active in the past and feel unsure about your health, talk to your health care provider before beginning an exercise program.
Learn how to keep your blood sugar numbers down with diet and exercise.