Exercise, along with good nutrition and medication, helps keep type 1 diabetes under control. Exercise usually lowers blood sugar and helps insulin work more effectively. If you are overweight, exercise can also help you lose weight.

Regular exercise also provides cardiovascular benefits. This is particularly important for the diabetic, who has 2 to 4 times the incidence of heart disease. Benefits of exercise include improved endurance, lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increased levels of protective HDL cholesterol.

Develop an exercise program with your doctor. Remember to monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise. Try to perform exercise the same time of day when possible. Always wear a bracelet, identifying you as diabetic.