Exercise and the Treatment of Diabetes

Have you ever thought that someday you might be unable to walk and enjoy the simple pleasures of life?  If so, it is time that you begin to reduce the chance of not being able to perform activities of daily living by beginning an exercise program.  Exercise can be a powerful tool in an individual’s health program and has been shown to improve a person’s quality of life.  Regular exercise can improve your chances of being able to continue to perform those activities that your enjoy.

Today exercise is indicated in the treatment of a large number of medical problems and is considered by some as the “wonder drug of our time”.  Evidence suggests, in selected cases, that exercise can be as effective as medical treatment, and in special situations more effective.  Being active protects against heart disease, cancer, stroke and helps the body in controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars.  Exercise can also lessen the effects of arthritis, improve bone strength, reduce falls, and decrease the stress associated with everyday life.

For individuals with diabetes regular exercise has been shown to lower their blood glucose levels, and can decrease blood glucose for several hours following exercise.   Decreasing your blood sugars by 1% can reduces your chance of heart attacks by 15-20%.  Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease your life expectancy by 8-10 years.  Participating in a regular exercise program can improve your quality of life and improve your life expectancy.

If you have just been diagnosed and wonder how you’ll get in shape, or if you have had diabetes for a long time but still want to be more active, there is no time like the present.  Don’t use diabetes as an excuse to not exercise.  Use it as an excuse to exercise!

During the November 10 session of “Control Diabetes for Life” we invite you to learn for about how exercise can change your life.  The program will help you get started with your exercise program by providing instructions on  who can exercise, general rules about exercise, what type of exercise should you perform , how much exercise is enough, how often you should perform of an exercise program and how you can get started.   The goal of exercise is to improve a person’s quality of life by decreasing the presence and the effects of disease. Set a goal to take control of your diabetes.  Feel better and stay healthy for years to come by exercising and lowering your blood glucose level.

The program “Control of Diabetes for Life” will be held on Monday November 10 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Tekamah Herman High School.

“Control Diabetes for Life”, is a program to help participants learn to control diabetes and delay the onset of complications. The program is a joint project, sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Franciscan Care Services of West Point and cooperating schools, and is offered free-of-charge.

Participants are asked to pre-register for “Control Your Diabetes for Life” by calling the Burt County Extension office at 402-374-2929. Please register by Friday November 7, 2014 so the proper number of handouts may be prepared. Nebraska School Food Service Association has approved this session for two hours of continuing education credits for food service staff for attending.

Control of your diabetes for life! Start by attending the November 10 distance education program. Call today to register!

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu