Physical activity (PA) is crucial in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Recent studies confirm that regular PA improves blood glucose control, prevents or delays type 2 diabetes, and positively affects lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA and modest weight loss can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Both aerobic and resistance training improve insulin action, which is key to diabetes management. PA is also beneficial for blood glucose management, diabetes prevention, gestational diabetes, and safe exercise practices for those with diabetes-related complications. Type 2 diabetes is a widespread epidemic, with over 24 million Americans having diabetes, of whom six million are undiagnosed. Prediabetes, a condition with elevated blood glucose levels, affects nearly 60 million U.S. residents, increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One in three Americans born in 2000 or later may develop diabetes, with higher risks in certain ethnic populations. Diabetes is a major cause of premature mortality and morbidity related to cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney and nerve disease, and amputation. While regular PA can prevent or delay diabetes and its complications, most people with type 2 diabetes are not active. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have reviewed research and developed recommendations for PA in diabetes management. These recommendations emphasize the importance of regular, varied physical activity for optimal health in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Both organizations agree that exercise is essential for preventing and managing diabetes and its complications. The entire position statement is available online.Physical activity (PA) is crucial in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Recent studies confirm that regular PA improves blood glucose control, prevents or delays type 2 diabetes, and positively affects lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA and modest weight loss can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Both aerobic and resistance training improve insulin action, which is key to diabetes management. PA is also beneficial for blood glucose management, diabetes prevention, gestational diabetes, and safe exercise practices for those with diabetes-related complications. Type 2 diabetes is a widespread epidemic, with over 24 million Americans having diabetes, of whom six million are undiagnosed. Prediabetes, a condition with elevated blood glucose levels, affects nearly 60 million U.S. residents, increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One in three Americans born in 2000 or later may develop diabetes, with higher risks in certain ethnic populations. Diabetes is a major cause of premature mortality and morbidity related to cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney and nerve disease, and amputation. While regular PA can prevent or delay diabetes and its complications, most people with type 2 diabetes are not active. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have reviewed research and developed recommendations for PA in diabetes management. These recommendations emphasize the importance of regular, varied physical activity for optimal health in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Both organizations agree that exercise is essential for preventing and managing diabetes and its complications. The entire position statement is available online.