Get Moving with Pokemon Go App to Manage Diabetes

Swipe right. If you’re among the 68 percent of all adults in the United States who own a smartphone, you know what that means. LOL and emojis? You probably know what those are, too. But have you downloaded and played one of the most popular apps of all time?

In the first two weeks after its release, the mobile app Pokémon Go was downloaded and estimated 30 million times. A month after release, and it was still being downloaded and estimated 10,000 times a minute. So what’s all the buzz about, and why should you care?

Turn on the app, and you’ll be able to chase down Pokémon characters in your own augmented reality at home, at the park, at the store, or at the mall. It’s fun, but it’s also proven Pokémon Go is good for exercise. And that’s important when you have diabetes.

Regular exercise is a critical part of diabetes management because it helps improve circulation, supports weight management, and strengthens the heart, lungs, and muscles. Playing the game and being more active may also help prevent diabetes, says University of Leicester researcher Dr. Tom Yates.

So how much exercise do you need? Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. You don’t have to run a marathon, climb a mountain, or lift weights. But you do need to be active to help control or prevent diabetes.

And it’s easy, especially if you give Pokémon Go a try. The game requires you to walk from place to place to find, capture, battle, and train Pokémon creatures. It’s an easy way to add some exercise into your day. And it can make a big difference.

In a recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers found that even taking a five minute break to move and walk around every 30 minutes can help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Download the Pokémon Go app and get moving.

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