Type II Diabetes Prevention and Management

Who would benefit from this program?

  • Individuals (adults or children) who have or at high risk for type two diabetes who wish to pursue non-pharmacologic management of their blood glucose

Type II Diabetes Facts:

  • Type II Diabetes Mellitus is also commonly known as “adult onset” diabetes.

  • In Type II Diabetes, the body is producing insulin, but does not respond to it, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.

  • When blood glucose is high, the body’s cells may be starved for energy.

  • Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, or heart.

  • Diabetes can occur in people of all ages and races but some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. These include African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

  • Exercising muscles are more sensitive to circulating insulin. The muscles then take up blood sugar more easily and use the sugars more effectively. Research has shown that even short term aerobic exercise improves the sensitivity of muscles to insulin.

  • There is also a strong association between diabetes and the location of fat in the body. People with increased internal belly fat have a higher risk for insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

  • Even if you don’t need to lose weight, exercise is helpful in controlling blood glucose levels as well as reducing the associated risk for heart disease.

What does the program consist of?

  • Week 1: Evaluation of each individual’s baseline abilities and activity level, setting of personalized goals, and creation of a treatment plan. Education regarding the beneficial effects of exercise as well as understanding how to properly monitor blood glucose levels with exercise.

  • Week 2: Physical fitness testing will be performed to establish a safe target heart rate range and…

  • Week 3-4: Participants will begin aerobic exercise intervals including biking and/or walking/jogging on a treadmill as well as light upper and lower body resistance training.

  • Week 5-6: Participants will be progressed to increase their aerobic endurance capacity as well as their muscular strength and endurance.

  • Week 7-8: Participants will be transitioned to an independent exercise program for long-term health maintenance.

Goals:

  • Individuals with type II diabetes will be able to manage their blood glucose levels with regular physical activity and healthy living habits to prevent medical complications related to long-term hyperglycemia.

  • Individuals at risk for developing type II diabetes will lower their risk for developing the disease and improve their health status.

  • All participants will learn how to start and maintain a safe, independent exercise program.

Why choose Family Physical Therapy?

  • No physician referral is required and same day appointments are available.

  • One-on-one intervention by a Physical Therapist every visit, no PT assistant

  • Our therapist’s are trained in the most current evaluative measures and treatment interventions

  • One hour education and exercise sessions

  • Front door parking

  • Extended hours starting at 7am until 7pm