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Unique Diabetes Program Really Moves People
New program emphasizes exercise for those living with diabetes

Patricia Sheldon used to exercise all the time. “But then about ten years ago, I got sick,” she said. “I got out of the routine. I just didn’t do it anymore.” That is, until now. Sheldon recently joined Diabetes Wellness, a collaborative diabetes self-management education program between the Saint Mary’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology and the Michigan Athletic Club (MAC). “I’m enjoying this,” Sheldon said while riding a stationary bike during the third week of class. “I’ve never done anything like it.” As far as Julie Lundvick can tell, not many people with diabetes have.

Julie Lundvick, the Director of the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE) said the new program is unique. “When we started developing it, I couldn’t find anything else like it in the country,” Lundvick said. The two-hour class, which meets weekly for 10 weeks at the MAC, combines diabetes education with exercise. Participants in this innovative program are referred by their physicians.

During the first hour of class, participants learn about living with diabetes — how to plan for meals, take medications and monitor their overall health. Topics throughout the 10-week class include “When blood sugar gets out of control,” “Blood glucose monitoring,” “Staying healthy” and “Meal planning.” The second hour of the class is devoted to activity and movement with a certified personal trainer. “That’s what’s unique about the CDE at Saint Mary’s,” Lundvick said. “We have the health clubs and provide nationally-known diabetes education. What a perfect opportunity to do a collaboration like this.”

Participants check their blood sugar before and after each exercise session, range in age from 24 to 72 years and come from a variety of economic backgrounds. Most of them have never exercised before. “They haven’t been motivated to or they’re afraid to with their diabetes,” Lundvick said. “We know exercise helps people with diabetes, so the supervised exercise we provide helps participants know how hard to push themselves.” The participants also are given a complete health assessment (body fat, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.) before the 10-week session begins, at the five-week midpoint and at the end. “We’re seeing tremendous results already,” Lundvick said. “Participants have seen a drop in their blood sugar.”

Through participation in the program, participants and a guest receive a 10-week complimentary membership to East Hills Athletic Club or the MAC. “Because exercise programs are more successful if participants have someone with whom to experience the program, we invite each person with diabetes to bring a spouse or other support person with them,” Lundvick said, adding, “the classes currently cost nothing for participants.” This exciting new health initiative will continue in 2006. For more information about the Diabetes Wellness program, contact Lundvick at 752.6862.