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You know what they say: “Learn from your mistakes.” This is especially important when it comes to managing diabetes — as some mistakes can be more serious than others. Here's a lesson you can take away to care for your condition like a pro.

Management Mistake: Neglecting exercise

We’ve all been there. Long day at work, brutal commute home and, once you’re there, the last thing you want to do is lace up your cross trainers and start sweating. But a diabetes diagnosis makes regular physical activity a must. According to the American and Canadian Diabetes Associations, it’s one of the best ways to lower blood glucose as well as help reduce your risk for diabetes-related complications, like heart disease and stroke. As for the best type of exercise to control blood sugar levels? Moderate, sustained activity, advises Grace Tom, RN, a nurse specializing in diabetes care at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, CA. The consistent, steady pace of, for example, a brisk 30-minute walk, causes your muscles to take up more glucose than they would otherwise, which in turn lowers blood sugar.

Mistake Managed! This kind of exercise that can be as fun as it is beneficial. Start a walking club and catch up with old friends. Explore the natural beauty of your hometown on two wheels. Or, if the idea of setting aside a block of time for a walk is overwhelming, try incorporating physical activity into your regular daily routine; simple substitutions like walking to work instead of driving can make a big difference. This is particularly true when lowering blood sugar is one of your main fitness goals, confirms Tom. Which is good news if you’re less than enthused about the gym. Who needs the Stairmaster when you can simply take the stairs?