Diabetes Management Starts With You

Diabetes affects an estimated 25.8 million people in the U.S.--18.8 million have been diagnosed, but 7 million are unaware they have the disease.

If you have diabetes or are concerned, ask your physician how to make lifestyle changes to successfully manage your diabetes.

Activity Can Help Control Diabetes

Being active is a great way to help control diabetes. Exercise helps lower your blood sugar. During physical activity, your body uses insulin much more efficiently than it does at rest.

Exercise also helps you lose weight. Being overweight makes it harder for your cells to use insulin, and can lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Shedding extra pounds can help you control your glucose levels. Losing weight also helps you avoid other health problems, such as heart disease, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. Activity helps lower cholesterol, another risk factor for heart disease.

A regular exercise program may help some people with type 2 diabetes decrease--or even stop--oral medication use. Although some people are able to go off insulin by increasing physical activity, most people with type 2 diabetes who already take insulin will need to remain on insulin.

Regular physical activity can relieve stress; strengthen your heart, muscles and bones; improve your blood circulation; and keep your joints flexible.

10 Steps to Avoid Complications
With Prevention:

1. Ask your doctor for a current A1c.
2. Check in with your doctor 2-4 times a year.
3. Ensure your blood sugar is controlled.
4. Check your blood pressure often.
5. Improve control of LDL cholesterol.
6. See a nutritionist for a healthy diet plan.
7. See your doctor for annual foot exams.
8. Schedule annual eye exams.
9. Exercise on a regular basis.
10. Call your doctor if you feel depressed.