Diabetes Action Plan- Be More Active.

• Insulin sensitivity is increased, so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy.
• When your muscles contract during activity, your cells are able to take up sugar and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.

This is how exercise can help lower blood sugar in the short term. And when you are active on a regular basis, it can also lower your A1C, the A1C is a test that measures a person’s average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.

• If you have never been active or haven’t been active for a while, start slowly. If you feel unsure about your health, talk to your doctor about which activities are safest for you.
• Warm-up for 5 minutes before starting to exercise and cool down for 5 minutes after.
• Avoid doing activity in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Choose indoor options when the weather is extreme,
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity to stay hydrated.
• If you feel a low coming on, be ready to test for it and treat it. Always carry a source of carbohydrate Another word for sugars.
• If exercising for an extended period (more than an hour or two), you may want to have a sports drink that provides carbohydrates.
• Wear a medical identification bracelet, necklace, or a medical ID tag that identifies you as someone with diabetes in case of emergency.
• Activities should be energizing but not overly difficult.
• Take care of your feet by wearing shoes and clean socks that fit you well.
• Carefully inspect your feet.
• Stop doing an activity if you feel any pain, shortness of breath, or light-headedness. Talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms that you experience.