What I Need to Know about Physical Activity and Diabetes

The National Institutes of Health Publication 08-5180, "What I Need to Know About Physical Activity and Diabetes," provides information about diabetes and how you can take care of yourself and your diabetes with proper diet, exercise and physical activity. Diabetes means your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood can hurt you. When you take care of your diabetes, you'll feel better. You'll reduce your risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth. You'll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. You can take care of your diabetes by: being physically active, following a healthy meal plan, taking medicines, if prescribed by your doctor. Research has shown that physical activity can: lower your blood glucose and your blood pressure, lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, improve your body's ability to use insulin, lower your risk for heart disease and stroke, keep your heart and bones strong, keep your joints flexible, lower your risk of falling, help you lose weight, reduce your body fat, give you more energy, and reduce your stress levels. Physical activity also plays an important part in preventing type 2 diabetes. A major Government study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showed that modest weight loss of 5 to 7 percent-for example, 10 to 15 pounds for a 200-pound person-can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes. People in the study used diet and exercise to lose weight.