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Exercise and chronic disease: Get the facts
Content
How can exercise improve a chronic condition?
What exercises are safe?
How often, how much and at what intensity can I safely exercise?
Do I need to take special steps before getting started?
What kind of discomfort can I expect?
What else do I need to know?
Do I need to take special steps before getting started?
Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend certain precautions before exercising.
If you have diabetes, for example, keep in mind that physical activity lowers blood sugar. Check your blood sugar level before any activity. If you take insulin or diabetes medications that lower blood sugar, you might need to eat a snack before exercising to help prevent low blood sugar.
If you have arthritis, consider taking a warm shower before you exercise. Heat can relax your joints and muscles and relieve any pain you might have before you begin. Also, be sure to choose shoes that provide shock absorption and stability during exercise.