Did you know that being overweight or obese is the No. 1 risk factor for developing diabetes?
- Being overweight makes you seven times more likely to develop diabetes.
- Being obese makes you 20 to 40 times more likely to develop diabetes.
Physical activity is crucial and has a direct bearing on successfully managing your diabetes. Exercise helps cut diabetes risk by helping with weight control, lowering blood sugar, and helping your body use insulin more effectively.
Pick activities you enjoy, and you’ll be more likely to stick with them. Consider walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, joining an exercise class, or using exercise machines.
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise five or more days per week. If you use a pedometer, set a daily goal of 10,000 steps. If you’re sedentary, start slowly and build up over time. Any activity is better than none. You do not need a gym membership or expensive equipment to get moving:
- Jump rope
- Go bowling
- Walk to run your errands
- Take a dance class
- ALWAYS take the stairs