Take a healthy step towards achieving a simple win. No matter what your level of activity is right now, you can make progress safely and slowly step by step, with the right plan. Use the tools and resources in this section to help manage your fitness and weight goals.
How does physical activity or exercise help control diabetes?
Research has shown that physical activity can play a major role in controlling both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Exercise can lower blood glucose, lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, lower risk for heart disease and stroke, and improve the body’s ability to use insulin.
In type 1 diabetes, physical activity is an important part of your overall regimen, which includes taking insulin, meal planning and exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes, losing weight allows your natural insulin to do a better job of lowering blood glucose. This may also help your diabetes medications work better.
Now that you understand how exercise can help control diabetes, challenge yourself to reach your own personal fitness and weight goals—your simple wins.
Pilates: fitness for everyone
Pilates (puh-LA-teez) was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, when he worked with injured patients in Europe. He engineered machines to help develop balanced posture, muscle strength, and flexibility, leading to improved health and well-being. Learn how Pilates might be a good addition to your fitness regimen.
Tone up while you cool down
For many, slipping on a swimming costume and swimming a few lengths is the ideal form of exercise. For others, getting in the water may only appeal during the peak of summer. Regardless, the pool or even the sea can provide a great location and source of inspiration for your workout. Just don’t forget your sunscreen if you are outdoors and swim safely!