2. Move your body most days
Regular movement helps in more than one way. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says physical activity can make your body more sensitive to insulin, help manage blood sugar, and support heart health, which matters because diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. That does not mean you need intense workouts at the gym; brisk walks, cycling, or other moderate activity all count.
A good goal for many adults is about 150 minutes a week, often broken into 30-minute sessions on most days. Walking, cycling, swimming, or even longer daily walks all count. If you take insulin or certain diabetes medicines, ask your care team how to handle exercise safely, because activity can sometimes push your blood sugar too low.
You do not have to do all your movement in one go, either. A short walk after meals, taking the stairs, or standing up more often during the day can still be useful. The goal is to make the activity feel like a normal part of life.
