Getting started on a consistent exercise program is one of the best things you can do to manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Physical activity lowers blood glucose levels while boosting your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Exercise also helps:

• Control weight
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower harmful LDL cholesterol
• Raise healthy HDL cholesterol
• Strengthen muscles and bones
• Improve cardiovascular function
• Reduce anxiety and lighten your mood

The best time to exercise is one to three hours after a meal when your blood sugar is likely to be elevated. If you use insulin, test your blood sugar before you start. If it’s below 100 mg/dL, have a snack, such as a piece of fruit, to avoid hypoglycemia. If it’s high (over 250), wait. Working out may raise it further. Be sure to check your blood sugar after any particularly intense activity.

Build your exercise program slowly. Consult your doctor along the way.

 What’s the Best Type of Exercise for Diabetes?

 Weight training builds lean muscle mass, which improves your body’s insulin sensitivity. It can also increase the amount of insulin available in your system.

 Aerobic exercise improves your body’s ability to use insulin.

Combine weight training and aerobic exercise for the perfect workout.