Diabetes and You by Novo Nordisk - HTML preview
Download the book in PDF, ePub, Kindle for a complete version.
Three steps to starting your activity program
Step 1: Talk with your doctor before you start
Let your doctor know that you’d like to become more active. Talk about what kind of activity is best for you.
Step 2: Choose your activity
Choose an activity that you enjoy. Just about anything that gets you moving is good. Maybe you’d enjoy one of these activities:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Bicycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
Step 3: Set a goal
Health experts recommend being active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, to maintain your current weight, and 45 minutes if your goal is to lose weight. Talk with your diabetes care team to find a goal that’s right for you.
Staying safe while being active
You can stay active when you have diabetes. Just follow these few simple tips:
- Check your blood sugar before and after your activity
- Bring a fast-acting carb snack with you in case your blood sugar drops too low
- Don’t exercise if you’re not feeling well
- Wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace
- Protect your feet. Check inside your shoes and socks for anything that might injure your feet. Wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit well. Examine your feet after being physically active. Notify your diabetes care team right away if you injure your feet
Having trouble getting started? Finding it hard to stay with your plan? Visit Cornerstones4Care.com to overcome barriers to being active.
“What I did was find an exercise buddy – and not just a person, her dog too! If we ‘poop out,’ we’ve got those big doggie eyes to make us feel really guilty about it!”