First 2 steps in your diabetes weight loss plan

If you have diabetes, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise and weight loss plan. Here are two things you should do before making lifestyle changes.

• Your doctor may want to schedule a fasting plasma glucose test to establish your current baseline blood sugar levels
• Many people who plan on dropping 10 percent of their body weight can expect a drop of about 25 percent in fasting blood glucose, so it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels at home to prevent hypoglycemia
• You might also have a hemoglobin A1C test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the course of the past two to three months. Assuming you've had an A1C test and nothing about your blood sugar levels or treatment has changed, use that reading as your baseline. Plan on taking another test in about three months to see if your levels have changed.

• Part of your plan may involve more walking, gentle stretches and strengthening exercises; ask about anything you plan to do and its effect on your health
• For example, you may want to pay special attention to your feet. Does that mean you should avoid walking? Not necessarily, but you may need to buy a better pair of walking shoes or take care to moisturize your feet to prevent cracking
• You need to be aware of any increased risk for heart problems. While light activity, such as walking, is unlikely to cause any trouble, if moderate activity causes shortness of breath or chest pain, your doctor may want to follow your progress more closely. He may even have you take an exercise stress test before you start to exercise.Once you get the green light, you can embark on your plan — worry-free!

When you start losing weight and exercising, your blood sugar levels will drop — after all, that's the point of the plan! But you don't want them to drop dangerously low, especially between meals or after exercise. So stay in close communication with your doctor so she can lower your dose of medication or insulin when appropriate.