Diabetes Standards of Care & Clinical Practice Resources
Physical Activity
Physical activity is important for achieving glycemic control goals, and it is a core component of diabetes self-management. Physical activity improves strength and endurance, improves insulin action, lowers blood glucose levels, improves body mass index, and reduces depression.
Any increase in physical activity is beneficial for patients. Physical activity does not have to be limited to structured aerobic or resistance exercise; it includes activities such as walking, gardening, dancing and any movement of the body that uses energy.
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Physical Activity Sections
Quickly jump to a section on this page by clicking on one of the links below.
- Section 1 – Clinical Practice Recommendations: Physical Activity
- Section 2 – Clinician and Educator Resources: Physical Activity
- Section 3 – Patient Education Resources: Physical Activity
Clinical Practice Recommendations
Recommendations for Physical Activity
- Document patients' level of physical activity at diabetes visits and encourage individuals to set behavioral goals to begin or increase physical activity.
- Assess patients for medical conditions that might affect the type, frequency, and intensity of physical activity in which they engage.
- When available, referral to a fitness specialist for supervision and coaching is highly recommended. There are fitness specialists and programs available in many AI/AN communities.
Clinician and Educator Resources
Diabetes Education Lesson Plan: How To Get Started Walking [PDF – 690 KB]
Diabetes Education Lesson Plan: How To Walk Farther And Faster [PDF – 676 KB]
Integrating Case Management Into Your Practice [PDF – 290 KB]
Integrating DSMES Into Your Practice [PDF – 275 KB]
SDPI Diabetes Prevention Toolkit
IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - 2nd edition [PDF]
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association [PDF]
Diabetes Care 2016;39:2065-2079. doi:10.2337/dc16-1728
Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Patient Education Resources
Online Catalog: Free Physical Activity/Exercise Resources
IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
American Association of Diabetes Educators
Be Active – Managing Your Diabetes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute on Aging