Diabetes Exercise Program Helps Reduce Risk of Stroke, Heart Attack

November 2006
Managing diabetes means more than controlling blood glucose. According to the American Diabetes Association, most people with diabetes have high blood pressure and cholesterol, factors that can lead to heart disease and stroke.

RHCI’s new Diabetes Exercise Program is designed to help persons with type 2 diabetes reduce these risk factors. The four-week program offers three exercise and education sessions each week. The program is run by staff from RHCI’s cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation program and includes:

•   Structured, progressive exercise
•   Individualized exercise plan developed by an exercise physiologist
•   Education about diabetes and the role of exercise in effective disease-management
•   Safe and supportive group setting

Those interested will be screened by a member of RHCI’s cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation team. Their physician must also approve participation.

“ This program is a great complement to the medical and nutritional aspects of managing diabetes and its complications,” says Kristine Whaples, clinical exercise physiologist. “The program can help reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke by promoting lowered blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol; improving blood circulation; reducing stress; and promoting weight loss.”

For information or pre-registration, please call (508) 833-4065. Cost of this self-pay program is $120. First session begins November 20; second session begins January 8, 2007.

For a printable version of the Diabetes Exercise Program fact sheet, click here, or call (508) 833-4008 to request a copy.