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Call 211 or visit the website http://professional.diabetes.org/erp_list_zip/?loc=imc-slabnav for locations and schedules of local diabetes education programs.

AND

Visit www.diabetes.org for more information on diabetes and links to other useful diabetes websites.

Why Exercise?

• Makes you feel better
• Helps you lose weight
• Improves your body’s response to insulin
• Reduces stress
• Increases energy
• Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
• Improves circulation
• Lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in people with diabetes

“Exercise is boring.”

Find an activity you enjoy

“I can’t afford to join a fitness center or buy equipment.”

Walk

Use cans of food for weights

“It’s not safe to walk in my neighborhood.”

Find an indoor activity such as an exercise class at a community center.

“It’s too hot outside.”

Go to a mall or large store and walk inside.

“I’m afraid my blood sugar will drop too low.”

Carry a sugary snack or juice

Check your blood sugar before and after exercise

Ask your doctor how you can exercise safely

“I don’t want to have sore muscles after exercise.”

Start slowly

Stretch before exercise and cool down 5 minutes after exercise

Choose an activity that you can do without getting sore

“I don’t have the right clothes to exercise.”

Wear anything that is comfortable

Make sure your shoes fit right

Wear socks that don’t hurt your skin