Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.   We use insulin to convert sugar, starches, and other food into the energy necessary for our daily life.  While the cause of diabetes is unknown, factors such as obesity and lack of exercise play important roles.

The primary interventions to treat Type II Diabetes are Medication, Diet, and Exercise.  For the sake of this discussion, we will focus on Exercise.  Studies have shown that a combination of both aerobic exercise and resistance training offers the strongest positive effect on blood glucose levels.  Aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, and biking increases your heart rate.  

This type of exercise strengthens your lungs and heart while burning calories.  Resistance training, such as weight lifting, helps build strong bones and muscles.  Combing these two modes of exercise is your best bet to control your blood glucose levels.

When it comes to exercise, studies show that if it is supervised and individualized, patients demonstrate a greater improvement in glycemic control (as compared to independent and general routines).  Here, at Atlantic Foot and Ankle, we have a Physical Therapist on staff to help with the treatment of Diabetes.

Physical Therapists are experts in exercise prescription and are they able to treat Diabetes by developing a safe, progressive, and individually tailored therapeutic exercise program.  Physical Therapists are knowledgeable on how various diseases and health complications impact pain and function.

If you have Diabetes, we encourage you to talk with your medical team about engaging in an exercise program.  And, if it is determined that supervised exercise is a good option for you, then the best place to start your program is under the supervision of a Physical Therapist!  

At Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists, our Physical Therapist will evaluate your condition and develop a program that is specifically for you.  We will work with you on developing a program that consists of, both, aerobic exercise and resistance training.  Additionally, given some of the complications that stem from Diabetes, our physical therapist will evaluate your balance and assess for fall risks.