Medications
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
May 19, 2009
On May 19th, Marnie Harrington, Cardiac Rehab Specialist from SPMH spoke to the diabetes support group on the benefits of staying active. She shared her enthusiasm as she reviewed the many benefits of physical activity which include: feeling good about yourself, increased energy, improve blood pressure reading, improve cholesterol profile, keeps you flexible, helps to maintain healthy weight or lose weight along with dietary changes, increase endurance, and lowers your blood sugar.
Choose an exercise that you enjoy. Sometimes it helps to have a friend to do the activity with. Ideally it is recommended to exercise for 30 minutes at least five times weekly. The best time to exercise when you have diabetes is about 60-90 minutes after eating to help lower the sugars after a meal but in reality, any time you can work it into your schedule is a good time. She suggested some stretching exercises which also would help to increase flexibility.
Muscular strengthening should also be part of your fitness program. Those present had a chance to try some of these type of exercises which should be done 2-3 times per week and at least every other day. These can be done with stretch bands, small weights or even cans of pop. These consist of slow deliberate movements in repetition to help maintain the strength in your muscles.
People with diabetes should also know how the activities effect their blood sugar level. This may require increased blood sugar testing, decreased medication, or appropriate snacks to avoid a low blood sugar.
She directed that they all speak with their doctor before starting an exercise program. After that it is a matter of having a plan, setting a goal, and work towards improving their health.
Other Important Links
|
