Another great benefit of staying active is that it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Some kids never give a thought to how much they weigh. For others, it can be a big issue. Maybe you were a little overweight before you found out you had diabetes, or maybe you've added some pounds since you were diagnosed.

Either way, keeping active can help you get to and stay at a weight that's right for you. Before you get too far along, talk with your doctor about your weight. You may be a little overweight. Or it could be that you're right on target for a kid your size and age. It's hard to know sometimes, so talk to your doctor to get the scoop. Your doctor may also recommend some changes in your meal plan, insulin schedule, or activities that could help. If you and your doctor determine that you could benefit from increased activity, great!

When you decide to start your own exercise plan, the best thing to do is find an easy way to keep track of the amount and frequency of your activity. Click here to download an activity log provided by Texas Round-Up so that you can start tracking your progress today!

Not everyone is a natural athlete. Maybe you feel clumsy or uncoordinated. Maybe playing sports is not your style. Or maybe you'd just rather read, watch TV, or play a video game.

You don't have to be an athlete to get the benefits of exercise. Just 20 minutes of exercise a day can improve your health, lower your blood glucose levels, and give you more energy. Yes, even 20 minutes a day sounds like a lot if you don't exercise much. But it's OK to start with only 5 minutes a day and build up from there. In fact, it's healthier to start slow and increase exercise gradually. Jumping in with both feet can leave you with sore muscles and even less reason to try it again.