Exercise can help you to burn the excess fat in your body and can thus help you lose excessive weight. Regular exercise also helps to regulate the blood sugar levels and to improve the action of insulin. Exercise also improves the heart’s efficiency to pump blood.

It is important for diabetics to remember to eat a carbohydrate rich snack like 2 low fat biscuits or a small khakhra before you begin exercising. This is to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and should be done in case you are exercising on an empty stomach.

To avoid complications, do consult your physician or diabetologist before starting any exercise to confirm your medical fitness. He will also help you choose a form of exercise that is suitable for your activity levels, age and general health.

Today, the urban lifestyle does not allow us to exercise during the day. We have become dependent on transportation and technology like elevators, escalators, taxis, cars, and buses. Even at work, most of us have sedentary lifestyles and we do not even walk a couple of minutes each day. All these factors coupled with stress and unhealthy eating aggravate the problem and encourage obesity that is the root cause for many urban diseases.

Exercising regularly also decreases our stress levels and makes us happier healthier individuals. It is wisest to choose a form of exercise comfortable to your lifestyle, for example swimming, brisk walking, aerobics, and yoga. Alternatively, indulge in a game you enjoy like tennis, badminton etc.

Brisk walking is the best form of exercise as it helps to reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood. Most doctors recommend a regular brisk walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily.

Exercise raises the High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is also called good cholesterol and decreases the bad cholesterol also known as Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
High HDL (good cholesterol) levels help the body to remove cholesterol deposits, thus preventing heart disease.

If you do not find the time to set aside for exercising include it in some form during the day. Take the stairs instead of using the elevator, walk short distances instead of taking a cab; take a small walk after lunch or dinner, or pick up your groceries instead of having them delivered, as this works out your arms too.