Physical activity is important to your health and blood sugar control. It’s okay to ease into a routine. Just get up and get into it! Be sure to check with your health care provider before you start any plan to increase your physical activity.
Getting out and getting active
Getting out and getting active
Physical activity is important to your health and blood sugar control. It’s okay to ease into a routine. Just get up and get into it! Be sure to check with your health care provider before you start any plan to increase your physical activity.
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Do what you love
My first “workouts” were just getting out and walking. From there, I picked up biking. Now I’ll hit the gym for some cardio and maybe play a little basketball with my kids. The thing is, you gotta have fun. If you’re doing something you like, you don’t sweat it as much. You can even change it up throughout the week to keep it interesting.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends being active for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, or a total of 150 minutes a week. Your diabetes care team will help you come up with an activity plan that works for you.
If you haven’t been active in a while, the ADA has these tips:
- Always check in with your health care provider when you start or change any activity
- Keep sessions short; 10 minutes at a time is a good start
- As you move forward in your activity plan, try adding a few minutes to your routine
- While you’re active, if you need to, listen to your body and slow down or take a break
Anthony vs Treadmill
Additional safety tips for physical activity
- Bring a carb (carbohydrate) snack in case your blood sugar drops too low. These are foods that are easily converted into sugar in the body (like certain types of sports drinks, apple juice, or glucose tablets)
- Take a day off if you’re not feeling well! Just get back at it the next day
- Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace
- Protect your feet. Wear comfy shoes and socks that fit
- Check your feet after being active for any bruises or blisters
- Always check with your health care provider about how to address your low blood sugar. If you feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or have other signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, tell your health care provider how often these things happen. He or she may need to change your diabetes care plan
If you’ve got these tips down, you’re off to a good start. But the key is to make your activity plan a regular part of your diabetes management. So stay with it, and stay active.
Keeping your feet healthy
Learn some activities you can do to help prevent problems with your feet.
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Anthony Anderson's diabetes story
Diabetes is diabetes, even if you’re a celebrity. Hear how I got real about healthy eating, being active, and taking my medicine as discussed with my doctor.
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