Before You Start Your Diabetes Exercise Plan Fitness plays a
special role for people who have diabetes. Being fit means
becoming healthier by adding activity to your day. Talk to your
doctor or other healthcare provider before getting started. He
or she may want you to have a checkup before you become more
active. Also, having certain tests first helps you and your
doctor learn how you will respond to a fitness program. A
medical checkup helps ensure that your fitness plan will bring
you the most benefit. As part of your checkup: You may have a
test called a hemoglobin A1c. The A1c test measures your average
glucose (sugar) level over 2 to 3 months. A1C is usually given
as a percentage. But it is now also given as a number
representing estimated Average Glucose (eAG). Unlike the A1C
percentage, eAG gives you a number similar to the numbers listed
on your daily glucose monitor. Your doctor may check the health
of your heart. Diabetes can cause heart problems. But a fitness
program can help these problems get b