Regular exercise offers additional health benefits that can be enjoyed by people with or without diabetes, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). About 30 minutes of exercise a day for a minimum of five days a week provides the following general benefits:

• Reduces the risk of developing many medical conditions, including:
  
  
• Childhood obesity and adult obesity
  
  
• Insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes
  
  
• High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease

• Cancer, including tumors of the colon, breasts and prostate
  
  
• Musculoskeletal disorders including osteoporosis (a disease that weakens the bones) and back pain
  
  
• Increases the immune system’s function
  
  
• Improves circulation
  
  
• Lowers resting heart rate
  
  
• Develops lean muscle, promotes bone, muscle and joint health, and improves strength, flexibility and endurance
  
  
• Helps prevent constipation
  
  
• Enhances mental alertness, memory and other cognitive functions
  
  
• Reduces stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improves mood and self-esteem
  
  
• Boosts energy and sexual performance
  
  
• Improves sleep (unless performed shortly before bedtime)