Taking care of diabetes

How can I take care of my diabetes?

Diabetes means your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood can hurt you.

When you take care of your diabetes, you’ll feel better. You’ll reduce your risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth. You’ll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. You can take care of your diabetes by

• being physically active
• following a healthy meal plan
• taking medicines, if prescribed by your doctor

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What can a physically active lifestyle do for me?

Research has shown that physical activity can

• lower your blood glucose and your blood pressure
• lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol
• improve your body's ability to use insulin
• keep your heart and bones strong
• keep your joints flexible
• lower your risk of falling
• help you lose weight
• reduce your body fat
• give you more energy
• reduce your stress levels

Physical activity also plays an important part in preventing type 2 diabetes. A major Government study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showed that modest weight loss of 5 to 7 percent—for example, 10 to 15 pounds for a 200-pound person—can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes. People in the study used diet and exercise to lose weight.

For more information about the study, read the DPP fact sheet online. Go to www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/a-z.aspx and click on Diabetes Prevention Program or call the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) at 1-800-860-8747 to request a printed copy.