Diabetes affects 9 million people in Canada. With good control and proper management of diabetes, many complications can be delayed or prevented. Early awareness of blood glucose levels and healthy changes can reverse or slow the progression of diabetes and help prevent serious problems.
Our program combines exercise, education and healthy lifestyle behaviour changes. You will receive:
- An initial assessment with a doctor, followed by a fitness assessment
- An individualized exercise program based on your fitness level
- Education to support your understanding of diabetes and the importance of a healthy lifestyle
- Great support from your peers in the program and our interprofessional team of doctors, nurses, kinesiologists, dietitians, a psychologist and a social worker
Providing a Safe, Personalized Program
You will begin the program with a cardio-pulmonary exercise assessment. This measures your cardiovascular fitness. We will then create a personalized program of exercise based on your functional abilities and personal goals.
You will attend 1 supervised exercise class a week, which includes a warm-up and stretching routine, aerobic exercise (walking, stationary cycling or elliptical machine), resistance training and an interactive educational session. We also offer peer-to-peer support.
You will be encouraged to carry out your own exercise program at home 4 more times per week and to keep a weekly exercise diary to help you progress. Exercise staff will work closely with you to help you advance your exercise and achieve your goals.
All education is supported by the
Diabetes College – Living and Thriving with Diabetes.
Services
- Supervised weekly group exercise classes with individualized training
- Group and individual nutritional counselling
- Group and individual psychosocial support
- Education and group discussion sessions
- Cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs) exercise assessment at the start and the midpoint of the program and at discharge
- Alumni programs
Education Sessions
Along with individual exercise, nutrition and psychosocial support, we offer group education sessions, which include:
- The benefits of exercise
- Managing risk factors for chronic disease
- Goal setting
- Targets for diabetes control
- Exercise safety/exercise in hot and cold weather
- Emotional well-being
- How food affects blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- Understanding food labels
- Foot care
- Sleep apnea
- Understanding diabetes medicines
- Resources for after graduation
How to Prepare
Learn more about
what you can expect when you have a clinic appointment.
