Before You Start Your Diabetes Exercise Plan

Fitness plays a special role for people who have diabetes. Being fit means becoming healthier by adding activity to your day. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before getting started. He or she may want you to have a checkup before you become more active. Also, having certain tests first helps you and your doctor learn how you will respond to a fitness program.

Your Checkup

A medical checkup helps ensure that your fitness plan will bring you the most benefit. As part of your checkup, you may have a test called a hemoglobin A1c. The A1c test measures your average glucose (sugar) level over 2 to 3 months. The doctor may also want to check your:

• Heart. Diabetes can cause heart problems. But a fitness program can help these problems get better. Being fit can also help improve your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

• Feet. People who have diabetes can have problems with their feet. Your doctor can check your feet before you become more active.

If You Have an Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test can show how your heart responds to activity. You will have small electrodes placed on your chest. You will then walk on a treadmill or ride an exercise bike while your heart rate is monitored. If you have this test, your doctor will give you more details.