Most of us (about 80% of Americans) don’t make exercise a regular habit. Maybe you weren’t physically active before your diagnosis, so tackling a new routine seems overwhelming.

If you want to move more but you keep finding excuses, there’s never been a better time to start a fitness habit. Your body is counting on you — and your blood sugar will thank you.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already on the right track. Check out our recommendations for getting started.

Start small — just spend less time sitting. Consider sneaking in a little light-intensity activity. Park the car farther away at the grocery store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Simple steps add up.

Get stretchy. Stretching always comes first. Be sure to warm up for several minutes to get your muscles ready and then stretch slowly for at least 5 minutes before you begin. Learn these basic stretches.

Gradually work up to more activity. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both. That could include activities like brisk walking, water aerobics, swimming or jogging.

Add a muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) two days a week, increasing repetitions and intensity gradually over time.

Set your fitness goals. Write ‘em down, tell a friend, join a group on social media — whatever works to help keep you on track.

Don’t work out alone. Seek out like-minded people (virtually or in your own home) and build a new routine. This will help you make progress and keep you motivated and accountable.

Watch your numbers (and take a bow!) Keeping appointments with your health care team is important. Healthier weight, lower blood pressure, more stable blood sugar, better cholesterol numbers and improved muscle tone are all praiseworthy goals.

You also can use the results of your blood sugar checks to see how your body reacts to different activities. Understanding these patterns can help you prevent your blood sugar from going too high or too low.

The American Diabetes Association suggests that you become familiar with how your blood sugar responds to exercise. Checking your blood sugar level more often before and after exercise can help you see the benefits of activity.

Celebrate your fitness success. Whether it’s improved cholesterol or a 5-pound weight loss, reward yourself with something tangible, like an at home dance party, order new active shoes or an at home spa day.

Still convinced that the couch potato life suits you just fine? If you think you hate exercise, check out these pointers. Don’t give up, call a friend. Or better yet — meet for a walk. Who knows? You just might want to do it again tomorrow.

“Diabetes is more complicated than most chronic diseases,” says Robert Eckel, M.D., president-elect of the American Diabetes Association and professor emeritus at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He is also a past-president of the American Heart Association.

“Because of their diabetes, we also have to wonder: Does the patient have heart disease? Do we need to do more tests?”

This is especially important, he said, because the risk of people with diabetes developing cardiovascular disease is two times higher than for those without the disease. In almost a half-century as an endocrinologist, those patients with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been Eckel’s focus.

As someone who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 5 years old, Eckel’s compassion runs deep. He knows firsthand that dealing with the disease can be overwhelming, especially if patients feel like they’re not a part of the decision making when it comes to their diabetes care team.

“We want patients to leave an office visit with an understanding of the disease and what steps we’re going to take with lifestyle and medications,” Eckel said. Eckel uses what he calls a “three-minute lifestyle intervention.”

As active participants in their own care, patients should be able to answer those questions. And, he encourages patients to ask questions freely.

“It is critical to ask questions,” said Jacqueline Alikhaani, a Know Diabetes by Heart Ambassador. Know Diabetes by Heart is a collaboration between the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk among people with type 2 diabetes. “There are no stupid questions about what you need to know.”

Alikhaani has a congenital heart disease and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes almost three years ago. She stresses the importance of patients being an integral part of their health care team—especially because diabetes is a 24/7 disease and managing it takes work.

“You really have to be proactive. You are the CEO of your health care,” Alikhaani said.

She and Eckel offer these suggestions:

Prepare for your visit. Ask Questions. Write them down ahead of time if you need to.

Be honest. Have candid conversations about your daily habits and lifestyle. This will help you work with your healthcare team to implement changes that are realistic for you.

Take notes. Make note of consistent symptoms, questions about your medications, and any changes in your lifestyle. These can be helpful for your next check-up. Also, take notes during your clinic visits. This can help you remember things, particularly if there are changes in your care plan.