Question of the week: Exercise?

The latest question submitted by one of my readers is: "I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. The doctor has not put me on any medication, but would like me to lose weight and watch my diet. I'm not sure how much or how often I should be exercising. Could you give me some tips?

Implementing exercise into your daily lifestyle is a wonderful thing whether you were diagnosed as "pre-diabetic" or not. You will look and feel better in no time! Not only will you find that daily exercise is helpful with losing weight, but you also will feel better physically and mentally as well!

Some of the possible health benefits from daily exercise include:
* lower your blood glucose, blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels
* raise your good cholesterol (HDL)
* improve your body’s ability to use insulin
* lower your risk for heart disease and stroke
* keep your heart and bones strong and joints flexible
* lower your risk of falling and breaking bones
* help you lose weight and reduce body fat percentage
* give you more energy and reduce stress levels

Physical activity also plays an important part in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. A major Government study called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), demonstrated that even losing a small amount of weight (i.e. 5 to 7 percent, 10 to 15 pounds for a 200 lb. person) can delay and/or possibly prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The participants in this study used both diet and exercise to lose weight.

My suggestion is to set a goal of 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week. Brisk walking is a great way to achieve this.

If you can get a "walking partner" it can make it a fun event. If you don't currently exercise, start small - try walking every other day until you are able to build up to your goal.

Other suggestions would be to get a pedometer, and strive for a minimum of 10,000 steps daily and/or keep an exercise journal (or mark the calendar that you use daily) with your exercise achievements. It can be a motivational factor.

Sources: National Institutes Of Health