Diabetes Activity Plan

What you eat and when also depend on how much you exercise. Physical activity is an important part of staying healthy and controlling your blood glucose. Keep these points in mind:

• Talk with your doctor about what types of exercise are safe for you.

• Make sure your shoes fit well and your socks stay clean and dry. Check your feet for redness or sores after exercising. Call your doctor if you have sores that do not heal.

• Warm up and stretch for 5 to 10 minutes before you exercise. Then “cool down” for several minutes after you exercise. For example, walk slowly at first, stretch, and then walk faster. Finish up by walking slowly again.

• Check your blood glucose before you exercise. Do not exercise if your fasting blood glucose level is above 250 and you have ketones in your urine. If your blood glucose is below 100, eat a small snack.

• Know the signs of low blood glucose, also called hypoglycemia.

• Always carry food or glucose tablets to treat low blood glucose.

• Always wear your medical identification or other ID.

• Find an exercise buddy. Many people find they are more likely to do something active if a friend joins them.

- Source: National Diabetes Institute Clearinghouse (USA)