"Exercise is the best thing to contol your glucose level," says Dr. Sunita Pathania – Sr. Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Healthy Living Diet Clinic, Mumbai. She adds, "Exercise is beneficial for most people with diabetes; regular activity is important for overall fitness, weight management and blood sugar control."

However, before beginning any exercise program, it is important to consult your doctor. Exercise is the most beneficial when the blood glucose is below 200 mg/dL. Regular exercise is more beneficial than sporadic exercise and best done 60 to 90 minutes after eating. 

With exercise, those with diabetes can improve control, and those at risk for Type 2 diabetes can reduce that risk. Being active can also help enhance weight loss, help control blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) and blood pressure, as well as reduce stress. If the patient is already active, he/she can increase the intensity or frequency after discussing with his/her doctor or health care provider. 

If the patient is not currently active, a safe activity plan can be discussed and agreed upon. Start by taking small steps: Walk the dog, take the kids to the park, ride a bicycle to work, get down from the bus a stop earlier and walk to your destination, climb stairs etc. Everything counts! But don't stop there. Physical activity is good, but it cannot replace the benefits of actual exercise.

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