Physical activity can help diabetics control their blood glucose, weight, and blood pressure, raise their “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower their “bad” cholesterol (LDL).  It can also help prevent heart and blood flow problems, reducing the risk of heart disease and nerve damage, which are often problems for people with diabetes.  Generally, diabetics should engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days of the week. Some examples of moderate-intensity physical activity are walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, or bicycling.  If you are not accustomed to physical activity, you may want to start with a little exercise, and work your way up. As you become stronger, you can add a few extra minutes to your physical activity. Do some physical activity every day, rather than an extended period of activity once a week.

"Even moderate reduction in weight and only half an hour of walking each day reduced the incidence of diabetes by more than one half." ~ World Health Organization