| Abstract: |
Diabetes educators have an important and challenging role in helping individuals with diabetes and prediabetes be more physically active. This chapter on exercise and being active is from a comprehensive text that serves as a resource for all health professionals, community professionals, and individuals who provide education to individuals with diabetes. The author notes that effective behavior change strategies, coupled with a solid understanding of current recommendations for physical activity and exercise, can be powerful tools for helping individuals incorporate physical activity into their diabetes management program. The chapter covers the importance of pre-exercise medical evaluations, how to develop a physical activity program, aerobic exercise, resistance (strength) training, safety considerations, modifications for clients with diabetes complications, modifications for obesity, modifications for older adults, considerations with children and adolescents, the stages of change for exercise behavior change, promoting lifestyle physical activity, the use of the Activity Pyramid, and the use of motivational interviewing to enhance behavior change. The author concludes that the true art of exercise program planning lies in the effective use of behavior change strategies to tailor programs to each individual’s health status, personal preferences, abilities, goals, and stage of readiness. The chapter includes a list of key points, a summary of teaching strategies, case studies, suggested Internet resources, a glossary of key terms, and a list of references. 1 figure. 3 tables. 44 references. |