Are you a functional diabetic?
Has your doctor advised you to exercise to control weight and blood sugar levels? Are you trying to eat healthier? Do you want to improve your functional capacity? Are activities such as walking, getting in/out of bed, going up stairs, or even participating in a particular sport a struggle? Are you wondering how to get started or does it HURT? Does any of this sound familiar?
Physical therapy can help you!
In addition to eating healthier, a proper pain-free functional exercise program designed just for you will help control and reduce the effects of diabetes.
Benefits of exercise:
- Improved function
Improve functional capacity (i.e. walk longer, get in/out of a chair easier, or even participate in a specific sport).
- Weight loss
Burn calories to lose weight or maintain healthy weight.
- Improved circulation
Increase blood circulation to arms and legs.
- Decreased medication
Reduce or potentially eliminate need for medications to control diabetes.
- Reduced blood pressure
Reduce blood pressure/cholesterol and overall risk for heart disease.
What to expect when working with a physical therapist:
- Education on the relationship between physical activity and diabetes
- Strength and flexibility testing to identify areas of weakness that limit your function
- Pain-free exercise program designed just for you to enhance and maximize your ability to function
- Screening for sensitive areas inhibiting current participation in activities and suggestions/ treatments to address these issues
- One-on-one consultation with a physical therapist sensitive to your individual metabolic system
- Regular follow ups to ensure long-term functional gains
Goal setting:
- Improve cardiovascular and functional capacity measured through standardized testing
- Achieve the recommended levels of exercise suggested by the American Diabetes Association and American college of Sports Medicine
Get started today!
Talk with your physical therapist today to learn more and determine if a functional diabetic exercise program is suitable for you.
