Physical activity is an important part of managing your blood glucose level and staying healthy. Being active has many health benefits.

Physical activity
• lowers blood glucose levels
• lowers blood pressure
• improves blood flow
• burns extra calories so you can keep your weight down if needed
• improves your mood
• can prevent falls and improve memory in older adults
• may help you sleep better

If you are overweight, combining physical activity with a reduced-calorie eating plan can lead to even more benefits. Studies have shown that overweight adults with type 2 diabetes who ate less and moved more had greater long-term health benefits compared to those who didn’t make these changes. These benefits included improved cholesterol levels, less sleep apnoea, and being able to move around more easily.

Even small amounts of physical activity can help. Experts suggest that you aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity 5 days of the week. Moderate activity feels somewhat hard, and vigorous activity is intense and feels hard. If you want to lose weight or maintain weight loss, you may need to do 60 minutes or more of physical activity 5 days of the week.

Be patient. It may take a few weeks of physical activity before you see changes in your health.

Source: US National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements