Control of your diabetes is achieved through a combination of knowledge, a healthy lifestyle, a positive outlook, and a solid treatment plan. It may be difficult at first, but changes in lifestyle can have many benefits.
 

Don't let yourself become overwhelmed, however. Such changes can be made in small steps! Treating your type 2 diabetes is a life-long process. Management strategies should be planned with a qualified healthcare team. Your treatment should be individualized and must address both medical and lifestyle issues.
 

Good diabetes control means keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, and appropriate medications, when necessary.
 

It is very important that you follow the recommendations of your healthcare team. A healthy lifestyle can help you control weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood fat levels. Just as important, you will feel better!!
 

The Importance of Physical Activity

You may have plenty of reasons not to be physically active (too tired, too little time). But there are plenty more reasons why you should be physically active. Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity has several potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes:

- Improved blood glucose control.

- Increased insulin sensitivity.

- Improvements in A1C.

- Lower blood pressure levels.

- Lower blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides).

It's never too late to start and most importantly…it only takes small steps to make big changes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days (at least 150 mins/week).
 

For more information about making physical activity a part of your diabetes management plan, go to Managing Diabetes/Physical Activity.
Be sure to consult with your health professional before you begin a physical activity program that is different from your usual routine.
 

Find out more

Here are just a few of the many organizations you can contact to learn more about the positive effects that physical activity can have on type 2 diabetes:
 

American Diabetes Association

1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

www.diabetes.org
 

National Diabetes Education Program

1-301-654-3327

www.ndep.nih.gov
 

American Dietetic Association

1-800-877-1600

www.eatright.org