How to Manage Diabetes and Heart Health

Exercise can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes, says Micah J. Eimer, MD, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine in Evanston, Illinois.

Focus primarily on aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, biking, or swimming, says Dr. Eimer. Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart, which helps it pump more efficiently and improves blood flow throughout your body. Work with your diabetes healthcare team to plan any physical activity, especially if you’re new to exercise.