Exercise is especially important if you have Type 1 diabetes because it helps to prevent many diseases to which you are more susceptible, such as coronary artery disease, cerebro-vascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. For some people with Type 1 diabetes, regular exercise may help to stabilize blood glucose concentrations over a long period of time.

When exercising with Type 1 diabetes, it's important to be aware that you may be prone to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose concentration) both during and immediately after exercise because the liver fails to release glucose at a rate that can support the demands for glucose made by the muscles.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, it is essential to consult a health-care professional and monitor your blood glucose levels when embarking on an exercise program. Medication and diet must be altered according to your individual blood glucose response to exercise.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can play an essential role in helping you to effectively manage your blood glucose levels. In some people, exercise can even reverse the diabetic condition.

Generally, cardio exercise is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It not only helps to treat the symptoms, but also prevents some of the other associated health risks. Strength training is also a valuable addition to your exercise program if you have Type 2 diabetes. By increasing muscle mass through strength training, the body creates a larger "sponge" with which to absorb excess blood glucose.