1. Improve blood glucose management. Activity makes your body more sensitive to the insulin you make. Activity also burns glucose (calories). Both actions help maintain lowerr blood glucose levels.

2. Lower blood pressure. Activity makes your heart stronger, meaning stronger and slower pumps.

3. Improve blood fats. Exercise can raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. These changes really help promote a healthier heart.

4. Take less insulin or diabetes pills. Activity can lower blood glucose and weight. Both of these have the potential to lower how much insulin or diabetes pills you need to take.

5. Lose weight and keep it off. Activity burns calories. If you burn enough calories, you’ll lose a few pounds. Stay active and you’ll keep the weight off.

6. Lower risk for other health problems. Activity helps reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, some cancers, and bone loss.

7. Gain more energy and sleep better. You’ll get better sleep in less time and have more energy, too.

8. Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Working out can help you relieve your daily stress.

9. Build stronger bones and muscles. Weight-bearing activities, such as walking, make bones stronger. Strength-training activities, such as lifting light weights (or a substitute), make muscles strong.

10. Become more flexible. Move easier when you are active.