For People With Diabetes, Walking Is Not Always The Best First Step In An Exercise Program
--Local physician offers tips for reaping the benefits of exercising for managing diabetes
One in a series of articles designed to make the Pee Dee healthier

By: Charles Meyers, MD
Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but if you are one of the more than 19 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, reaping the benefits of exercising isn’t always as easy as a walk in the park.

Studies by the American Diabetes Association have proven that, among other benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps bring elevated blood glucose levels into the normal range. Unfortunately, people with diabetes often experience diminished sensation in their lower limbs and are at risk for developing foot wounds. They need to be careful before they begin a strenuous exercise program that involves the feet.

Approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer due to vascular disease or neuropathy, damage to the nerves that reduce sensation. For many of my patients and others with diabetes, starting an exercise program is often daunting because they may be out of shape, overweight or have other health conditions that lead to inactivity. I tell them they just need to take that first step, but that it doesn’t necessarily have to be on a walking path or treadmill.

Here are a few exercise tips:

•    For diabetics with reduced sensation, prolonged walking, jogging, using a treadmill and step exercises are not recommended. Instead, try swimming, bicycling, rowing, chair and arm exercises and other non-weight bearing activities.

•    People with type 2 diabetes can reap the health benefits by engaging in moderate exercise as little as two-and-one-half hours per week.

•    Proper footwear is essential. The use of silica gel or air midsoles as well as polyester or cotton/polyester socks will help prevent blisters and keep feet dry.

•    People with reduced sensation in their feet should inspect their feet closely for blisters and other potential damage before and after exercising.

•    Since dehydration is often an issue with diabetes, it is important to drink water early and frequently when exercising.

•    The American College of Sports Medicine has demonstrated that resistance training can improve insulin sensitivity to about the same extent as aerobic exercise. The American Diabetes Association recommends that exercising with weights is acceptable for younger individuals but not recommended for older people with long-standing diabetes.

•    Before starting an exercise program, people with diabetes should be screened for the presence of vascular complications that could worsen with exercise and for orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions that may exempt certain exercises.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (843) 431-CARE (2273) or visit them on the web at www.MarionCountyMedical.com.

The Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System is located on Highway 76 between Marion and Mullins. A National Healing Corporation Wound Center, it specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as disease management and diabetes care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has awarded National Healing Corporation Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care.