Exercise: Being Physically Active
Regular physical activity -- at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week -- can help prevent or control type 2 diabetes and delay its complications. How? Research shows that both aerobic exercise (activities that increase your heart rate and breathing) and resistance exercise (training that builds strength and balance) help your body decrease insulin resistance and burn extra glucose, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
Regular exercise is also good for improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, boosting energy and mood, and keeping your body (and mind) strong and healthy. So if you aren't already a regular exerciser, work with your doctor or an exercise physiologist to develop an action plan that'll get you moving. You may need to start slowly and build up -- but that's fine.
Check out our free workout videos -- there's something for everyone.
