Read any medication package insert and under the "Indications and Limitations" section, the first thing you will read is "(fill-in the medication) is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus". Diet and exercise remain the foundation of diabetes management and prevention.
Although exercise has long been considered a cornerstone of diabetes management and prevention, many health-care providers fail to coach or prescribe it. The reasons are numerous. Giving client a full exercise prescription that takes comorbid conditions into account may be too time-consuming for or beyond the expertise of amy health-care providers. Simply instructing client to "exercise more" is not meeting the client where they are in the stages of change and not motivating or informative enough to get them regularly or safely exercising.
So what is a diabetes health-care provider to do? Few clinical practices have a trained exercise professionals with knowledge and experience working with a broad range of PWD.. Another option is to refer to an outside exercise professional, but hat has its own challenges. Another option is to read, attend educational programs, and learn the information to be ready to prescribe effectives and individualized exercise program to everyone.
What resources are available? As an exercise physiologist, I recommend reading up-to-date position papers, referring to leaders in the field for information and resources. Professional organizations such as JDRF ofer webcasts focused on exercise and diabetes for health-care providers.
Probably the most effective approach is to attend an educational program focused on exercise, diabetes and related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, exercise nad older adults. If you are looking for such a program, you are in luck. On Saturday September 14th "Evidence-Based Tools & Techniques to improve Clinical Outcome" will be held at the Crystal Room in Milford, MA. This program is designed for health-care providers seeking to increase their knowledge and skills in the field of exercise.
For additional information visit Evidence- Based Tools & Techniques to Improve Clinical Outcomes
Your reward will be an increase in the health and fitness of all people with diabetes.