There are 20,000,000 people with diabetes in America. There are an estimated 10-20 million more who have it and don't know it yet!

Activity and exercise, on a regular basis, along with weight control have been proven to lower your chances of developing adultonset (type II) diabetes by more than 20%! Regular aerobic exercise does increase muscle mass as well as improve cardio-vascular functions and will OFTEN decrease your medication, even insulin, dosage.

Dietary saturated fat is bad for you for at least three reasons: gaining weight, increasing coronary artery disease risk, and increasing insulin resistance. Do eat less fat.

If you are insulin dependent, when you do start to exercise, check your blood sugar before and after your workout. You need to begin gently and slowly with a companion, so that if you DO become hypoglycemic, help is right there. Carry glucose with you. Inject your insulin into a quiet place, usually the abdominal wall. Avoid exercise during those times when your control is not good. Also avoid exercise while the insulin is peaking. A good time to work out seems to be 30 to 60 minutes after you eat, while your blood sugar is high.

As you begin your walking program, be aware of your feet, which may be insensitive. Select well-padded, comfortable shoes that are large enough to allow for thick socks. Blisters are MUCH easier to prevent than they are to heal.

Do NOT engage in hight impact sports or exercises. It is even possible that you are in the high risk group for whom even moderate exercise is too much. Special discussion with your doctor is important if you have problems with your eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy) or your bones and joints (arthropathy).

YOU MUST CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE  YOU MAKE ANY

CHANGES IN EXERCISE, DIET, ORAL MEDICATIONS,

AND ESPECIALLY INSULIN.