Everyone should consult a physician prior to beginning an exercise program, but this is even more important for people with diabetes. The physician can review a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination to help determine which activities are safest and most appropriate. The physician will check the patient’s:

• Heart
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Weight and body composition (comparison of body fat to lean tissue)
• Glucose (blood sugar)
• Feet
• Eyes
• Additional health concerns

If the patient is over age 35, the physician is more likely to recommend a stress test (a graded test that measures a patient’s oxygen intake and heart rate during strenuous physical activity). Patients who require medication may be advised to plan workouts around their medication schedule, and individuals who take insulin may be instructed to adjust their dosages before and after exercising.

Sometimes people with diabetes have complications that can be aggravated by certain types of exercise. Patients with certain diabetic conditions may be instructed to avoid particular activities. These complications include:

• Eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. Patients may be advised to avoid exercises that increase the pressure in the blood vessels of the eyes, such as bouncing and weightlifting.
  
  
• Heart disease or high blood pressure. Patients may be advised to avoid exercises that involve heavy exertion or keeping muscles contracted, such as weightlifting.
  
  
• Foot problems or neurological conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy. Patients may be advised to avoid activities that could result in blisters on their feet, such as jogging.