Make every move count

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Keeping physically active benefits your overall health and for those with diabetes, active lifestyle is particular important. When you move more every day, you can reach some pretty big goals over time. Small steps can add up to huge strides -- in your physical health, mental health, stress levels, sleep, productivity, relationships and more. Let movement take you places you never thought possible!

- 10 minutes of stretching is like walking the length of a football field

- 2.5 hours of walking every week for a year is like walking across the state of Wyoming

- 30 minutes of singles tennis is like walking a 5K

- 1 hour of dancing every week for a year is like walking from Chicago to Indianapolis

- 20 minutes of vacuuming is like walking one mile

- 30 minutes of grocery shopping every other week for a year is like walking a marathon

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Staying active in a safe way

Be sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise to stay well hydrated. The following are some other tips for safe physical activity when you have diabetes:

- Plan ahead and do physical activity based on your daily schedule, meal plan, and diabetes medicines.

- Prevent low blood glucose levels. You are most likely to have hypoglycemia if you take insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, such as a sulfonylurea. Hypoglycemia also can occur after a long intense workout or if you have skipped a meal before being active. Hypoglycemia can happen during or up to 24 hours after physical activity.

- Protect your feel. People with diabetes may have problems with their feet because of poor blood flow and nerve damage that can result from high blood glucose levels. To help prevent foot problems, you should wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

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Source: The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.

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