Exercise

$327 billion are spent annually for the treatment and management of diabetes.

by Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM
Addressing how to balance blood glucose levels during (and after) exercise with type 1 diabetes is not new. In fact, it is likely the KEY topic to address to be successful at being physically active if you take exogenous insulin and want to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during exercise. Strategies include changing in insulin doses and/or supplementing with food, either of which can be done in myriad ways depending on the activity, timing and more.

John, a gentleman in his 70's who has diabetes, always visited my group after he exercised. I noticed he always had something (hard candy) in his mouth and he seemed tired. I asked him why he was doing this candy thing. He said, "After exercise I like to refresh my breath, and want to make sure I prevent a low blood sugar...."

By Sheri R. Colberg, PhD
It pays to get your core muscles — the muscles around your trunk and pelvis — in better shape, if only to keep your balance.  Having a strong body core means you’ll be better able to manage any physical undertaking, even just grocery shopping or a round of golf.  What’s more, core exercises are an important part of a well-rounded fitness program including aerobic and resistance workouts, and they’re easy to do at home on your own.  

As we continue to age, lifestyle choices play a big part in how chronic diseases develop and impact daily life.  

An old axiom says that good things may come in small packages – can the same be said for exercise? HIIT exercises take minimal time but appear to provide benefits in patients with type 1 diabetes.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Keeping your balance is essential for staying on your feet and preventing falls as you age, even if you can't leave the house much currently. In truth, many falls happen at home, so there's no time like the present to start improving your balance with these easy balance exercises.

The importance of physical activity is often underestimated in patients at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

By Sheri Colberg, PhD 

Feeling stressed out by the pandemic or by being trapped at home with no end in sight? If you’re a regular exerciser like me, the closure of gyms and fitness centers in most parts of the country may be limiting your options to de-stress by being active. Take a few minutes each day and work on your flexibility with these simple exercises you can do at home.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Just in time for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing and closures of gyms and fitness centers in many areas, here’s a revisit of many important core exercises you can do at home to keep yourself strong and healthy, with an illustrated PDF you can print out.