Small Steps, Big Difference – ADA Community Support Network

This topic has 12 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 4 weeks, 1 day ago by Vani Gandikota.

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- December 18, 2025 at 8:30 pm
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Dan Hager
Keymaster
You don’t need a gym to get moving! Check out our guide, Physical Activity: A Key Part of Your Health Journey, at bit.ly/4qR2eTa for safe ways to add activity to your day and reach your health goals.

This topic was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by Dan Hager.

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- December 19, 2025 at 1:26 pm
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Hannah Kemp
Participant
Sometimes exercise can be so daunting, so I’m glad you brought up not needing a gym to get moving! Physical activity doesn’t have to be a chore…it can actually be fun! Maybe if you are hesitant to get started, grab a buddy. That’s what helps me when I am feeling unmotivated, especially in the winter.
- December 19, 2025 at 1:28 pm
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Dan Hager
Keymaster
A buddy is such a great idea! When I have someone to exercise with, it not only makes exercise more fun, but it also helps me stick to it: I’m not going to skip if I have someone meeting me there.
- January 27, 2026 at 8:18 pm
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Tracy Anderson
Participant
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- January 27, 2026 at 8:54 pm
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Sala Small
Participant
I am learning that a buddy whether in the form of a support group, or friend or fitness enthusiast is key to staying the course, especially in moments when you want to give up!
- January 28, 2026 at 1:08 pm
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Melody O’Connor
Participant
I just popped in here for the first time, and I am pleasantly surprised at the wealth of resources that are available! I am very excited to jump in and do some reading!
- February 23, 2026 at 8:37 pm
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Teresa Cox
Participant
Hi. I have a question. It has been a very long time since I have done any type of regular exercise. Is there a way I can begin to build up my strength and stamina and be able to keep it going?
I also have several physical health issues that make exercise harder, but I am so looking forward to getting some exercise.
- February 24, 2026 at 5:51 pm
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Dan Hager
Keymaster
That’s a great question, Teresa! I know you’re not the only one who has it, either.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been active in the past or not—you can still start now. But, if you have never been active or have not been active for a while, it is important to start slowly.

Light activities like walking are fine for most people with diabetes. If you haven’t been active and feel unsure about your health, talk to your health care provider before doing anything more demanding. If you have any diabetes complications, there may be certain exercises you should avoid.

Check out our Getting Started Safely page for more!
- February 25, 2026 at 8:21 pm
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Kevin Hatton
Participant
Getting started is so frequently the biggest hurdle but you can start to build habits by exploiting some opportunities of convenience. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from the building, or going for a walk after lunch can help to inject a little bit of exercise into your daily routines. But almost more importantly, these little steps will help make you more conscientious of other opportunities that can eventually evolve into a full exercise regimen.
- February 25, 2026 at 8:21 pm
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Dan Hager
Keymaster
That’s such a great perspective, Kevin!
- February 26, 2026 at 1:42 pm
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Bridgette Walton
Participant
For me, it was challenging in the beginning. My A1C was in the double digits. I started by walking for 30-45 mins during COVID. I found making small, attainable goals was much more effective and rewarding i.e. lose 5 lbs by my next A1C labs. Then I began to change completely how and when I ate, focused on understanding the importance of nutritional labels, and began strength training. I just ran my first Peachtree Road Race in July 2025 (world’s largest 10K) and now my A1c is 5.4.
- March 3, 2026 at 2:08 pm
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Vera Bartasavich
Participant
The buddy system is always great! Incorporating movement throughout the day is another way to get needed physical activity. Build on baby steps. Start out with only a few minutes and work your way up.

If mobility is a concern, check out YouTube! Chair exercises are a great way to start, though the exercises can get as intense as you like.

I like this saying:

No Equipment – No Rules, Just Move!
- March 9, 2026 at 12:16 pm
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Vani Gandikota
Participant
Hey Kevin,

I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 in December and I’m still learning about what it means and how to naturally improve without medication. Thank you for the suggestions about things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking further away from the building. These are so simple and much easier to fit into my day as I’m trying to get more active.