Benefits

• Physical activity helps manage diabetes by controlling weight, burning excess glucose, increasing the cell's responsiveness to insulin and raising good cholesterol levels.
  
  

Prevention

• Exercise helps to increase blood flow in the body. Preventing blood flow problems is important for diabetics because it reduces the risk of nerve damage and the development of heart and kidney disease.
  
  

Exercise

• Health care professionals recommend that diabetics engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week. As you begin to exercise more, your stamina will increase and you can workout for longer periods.
  
  

Recommended Activities

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a variety of aerobic and muscle building exercise activities for diabetics, including walking at a brisk pace, swimming, dancing, bicycling, volleyball, roller skating, weightlifting and basketball.
  
  

Warning

• It is important to consult your physician before you begin any exercise plan. People with high blood pressure should avoid heavy weights and diabetics with nerve damage must pay close attention to their feet and legs to ensure that they don't sustain injuries during workouts.