if you have diabetes check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise program. tell your doctor what kind of exercise you want to do so adjustments can be made to your medicine schedule or meal plan if necessary. start slowly and gradually increase your endurance. choose an activity that you enjoy. you'll be more likely to stick with a program if you enjoy the activity. make exercise a lifetime commitment. consider a water exercise program. some other exercise options include walking riding a stationary bicycle swimming or muscle stretching. exercise at least three to four times per week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. ideally you should exercise every day. a good exercise program should include a 5- to 10-minute warm-up and at least 15 to 30 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise (such as walking or biking) or muscle stretching exercises followed by a 5-minute cool down. wear good shoes and practice proper foot care. drink water before during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. do not ignore pain -- discontinue any exercise that causes unexpected pain. if you continue to perform the activity while you are in pain you may cause unnecessary stress or damage to your joints.
what are some general exercise guidelines and precautions i should follow if i have type 2 diabetes?