Staying Fit For Life
If you have diabetes, you have probably been told that exercise is especially good for you and can help you to manage your disease. What are some of the positive changes that regular exercise can bring you?
Benefits of regular exercise
- Lowers blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity
- Improves cholesterol levels, lowers harmful LDL and raises protective HDL
- Decreases blood pressure and strengthens the heart
- Increases muscular strength and stamina
- Helps control weight and boosts metabolism
- Increases flexibility and improves balance
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves self-esteem and sense of well-being
- Reduces stress
- Helps you to look and feel great!
Tips for exercising safely
• See your doctor for a thorough checkup before beginning an exercise program.
• Start slowly and increase time and distance gradually.
• Check blood sugars before and after exercise
• Keep a record for your doctor in case meds need to be adjusted
• Take along a source of fast-acting carbohydrate in case sugars drop.
• Do not exercise when you are ill.
• Type 1 with pre-exercise blood glucose >250, check for ketones. Do not exercise with ketones present.
• Type 2 if pre-exercise BG is >350, be aware, sugar could increase or decrease.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing and appropriate, well-fitting shoes.
• Check feet regularly for blisters or injuries.
• Drink plenty of water, before, during and after exercise.
• Avoid exercise outdoors in extreme heat or cold
• Carry ID that identifies you as a person with diabetes
• Exercise with a partner. It will keep you both on track.
Fitness Center
At TDI, we want to encourage you to start receiving the benefits of becoming more active. We offer a supervised exercise program at a state-of-the-art fitness center, for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions. Our fitness professionals will design an effective individualized exercise plan to help you meet your goals safely. Education and referrals are also available to help you learn about healthy eating and other lifestyle changes to enhance your health and well-being.
Our gym is equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, arm cycles and elliptical trainers for increasing cardiovascular fitness. Cable weights and dumbbells are available for strength training.
Body composition measurements help us to track decreases in body fat and increases in muscle mass which result from regular exercise. In addition, we log our patient's blood sugars, blood pressure, weight, and activity throughout the exercise program.
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Programs
- Adult Patient Program - We offer a supportive environment for exercise among friendly people who share common goals and concerns. Sessions are scheduled to promote regular attendance and to encourage group support. Membership requires a written referral from your physician. New member orientations are held monthly.
For current program fees and for more details about this program call 210-358-7206, or for Spanish call 210-358-7239.
- Youth In Motion - At TDI, we understand that good health and fitness are essential to living a healthy life. This is especially true for children. We’re dedicated to educating our youth about these issues to ensure that they see a brighter tomorrow. Our Youth in Motion program gives children a head start on a healthy lifestyle.
For current program fees and for more details about this program call 210-358-7355.
Hours of Operation |
| Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday |
5:30 pm - 7 pm |
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Keeping Fit For Life
This Fitness Program guidebook provides information about increasing physical activity for people with diabetes and other chronic health concerns. It contains recommendations for developing a safe and effective exercise plan to improve strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition. Suggestions about combining exercise and nutrition to achieve successful weight loss are included along with specific suggestions about self care and blood sugar control for patients with diabetes.
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