What can a physically active lifestyle do for me?

Research has shown that physical activity can

• lower your blood glucose and your blood pressure
  
  
• lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol
  
  
• improve your body's ability to use insulin
  
  
• lower your risk for heart disease and stroke
  
  
• keep your heart and bones strong
  
  
• keep your joints flexible
  
  
• lower your risk of falling
  
  
• help you lose weight
  
  
• reduce your body fat
  
  
• give you more energy
  
  
• reduce your stress

Physical activity also plays an important part in preventing type 2 diabetes. A major government study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showed that a healthy diet and a moderate exercise program resulting in a 5 to 7 percent weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.

For more information about the study, read the DPP fact sheet online or call the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse at 1–800–860–8747 to request a printed copy.

source: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/physical_ez/index.htm