The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is encouraging people across the country to get moving in honor of its fourth annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day on May 2. This event is celebrated each year on the first Wednesday in May and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of prolonged sitting and the importance of moving more throughout the day. The ADA’s 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes recommend breaking up sedentary time with three or more minutes of physical activity—such as walking, leg extensions, or overhead arm stretches—every 30 minutes for improved health outcomes in addition to getting the recommended 30 minutes a day, five days per week, of moderate exercise. Regular physical activity reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes and helps people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes manage blood glucose.
Individuals who would like to increase their physical activity can begin by incorporating one change at a time, such as the following:
• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up every 30 minutes and stand, walk, or stretch.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Move around while sitting at your desk—try raising your legs and arms.
• Use part or all of a lunch break to take a walk.
• Walk or ride a bike to nearby locations instead of driving.
Companies and organizations looking to motivate their employees and members to get active on National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day and beyond can download the ADA’s e-toolkit, which includes activation ideas, email templates, social media messages, animated GIFs of exercises people can do at their desks, tip sheets, an infographic, and more.
For more information and resources, visit www.diabetes.org/getfitdontsit.
