How Can Diet & Exercise Control Diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a healthy diet and regular exercise as a way to control diabetes. This combination can help diabetics live a healthy and active life.

The Positive Impact of Exercise

• Physical activity can pay dividends for those with diabetes.

  The Diabetes Prevention Program, a study of people with pre-diabetes, found that people could prevent or slow type 2 diabetes by tackling 150 minutes of physical activity a week. That comes out to 30 minutes of activity five times a week.

Losing Weight Plays an Important Role

• Losing weight is key in controlling diabetes.

  When diabetics lose weight, they lower their resistance to insulin, according to the ADA. Natural insulin can then more effectively lower their levels of blood glucose. Losing weight also improves blood pressure levels, which is important because diabetics are more at risk for cardiovascular disease.

The Importance of Eating Right

• A healthy diet is key.

  Diabetics can improve their health by eating the right foods. The ADA promotes "Diabetes Superfoods," foods that have a low glycemic index and are high in calcium, potassium, fiber and nutrients.

Heart Healthy Foods

• Focus on fruits and vegetables.

  By eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and fats, diabetics can drop unnecessary pounds. Losing weight is one of the most important factors in controlling diabetes.

Diet and Exercise: A Winning Combination

• Exercise regularly to control diabetes.

  Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is a good plan for everyone, but it's an especially important one for diabetics. The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise for diabetics and a heart-healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.