About Your Diabetes > What You Can Do

Managing Your Diabetes

To prevent diabetes-related complications, proper diabetes management is essential. This includes healthy eating, adequate physical activity, blood glucose testing and use of medications if needed. Diabetes care is a team effort, requiring collaboration between you and your health care provider, specialists, diabetes educator, dietician and others. You are the captain of this team; in the end, you will be responsible for the path taken.

Weight Loss and Exercise

While there is no cure for diabetes, weight loss and exercise can help most persons with impaired glucose tolerance to lower their blood sugar levels, sometimes down to normal levels. Physical activity also helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure down, and improves the body’s response to insulin. Start slow, and set a goal of being active at least 30 minutes a day. It is important to check your blood sugar before you exercise. A small carbohydrate snack, such as fruit or crackers, is recommended before you exercise if your blood sugar is below 150 mg/dL.

Some simple ways to get more exercise are:

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park at the far end of the parking lot. If you take the bus, get off a few stops early.
Walk to places whenever possible.
Lift small weights (or a can of soup) while watching TV.

Other Important Points

Wear clean, cushioned socks and comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Make sure to check your feet after you exercise, especially if you have any numbness.
Talk with your health care provider before lifting weights if you have any problems with your eyes.
Always have a carbohydrate snack or glucose tablets with you when exercising.
Ask your health care provider before you exercise if you will need to adjust your medication regimen.
Test your blood sugar more frequently if you exercise longer than an hour.
If at any time you feel chest pain or become short of breath, stop exercising immediately and call 911.

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