Meaningful Movement for Diabetes Prevention | Ask the Expert Video Series

Movement is about more than exercise—it’s a powerful way to support blood glucose management, build strength, and promote healthy aging. And the good news? You don’t need an intense workout routine to experience the benefits.

In this Ask the Expert session, Dr. Sheri Colberg, Professor Emerita of Exercise Science at Old Dominion University and a leading expert on diabetes and exercise, explores how different types of physical activity can support diabetes prevention, blood glucose management, and long-term health. She shares practical ways to incorporate meaningful movement into everyday life, regardless of your fitness level or experience.

What You’ll Learn

• How exercise affects blood glucose: Understand why different types of movement can raise or lower blood glucose and how physical activity improves insulin sensitivity.
• Why building muscle matters: Discover the importance of resistance training for blood glucose management, maintaining strength, and healthy aging.
• The four types of exercise: Learn how aerobic activity, resistance training, flexibility, and balance exercises each contribute to overall health.
• Simple ways to move more: Explore how short activity breaks, walking, chair exercises, and everyday movement can make a meaningful difference.
• How to exercise safely with diabetes: Learn about considerations for preventing low blood glucose, managing complications, and choosing activities that work for your individual needs.
• Why movement matters as we age: Understand how staying active can help maintain independence, reduce fall risk, and support long-term quality of life.

The key takeaway? Every movement counts. You don’t have to do everything at once or meet every exercise recommendation right away. Start with what feels manageable, find activities you enjoy, and build from there.

Ready to Make Movement Part of Your Day?

Start small, start strong. Whether it’s taking a short walk, standing up more often, or adding a few simple strength exercises to your routine, small steps can lead to meaningful benefits for your health over time.