Diabetes Care Providers Spring Into Action
In April 2012, the Canadian Diabetes Association, in partnership with Acadia University and the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia, launched a new resource manual for diabetes care providers - Building Competency in Diabetes Education: Physical Activity and Exercise.
This resource, which includes an instructional video and five pamphlets, was developed by Acadia University’s Drs. Jonathon Fowles and Chris Shields and video producer Dave Sheehan. Physical activity and exercise are recognized as key components of effective diabetes self-management with regular physical activity shown to reduce diabetes-related complications and the need for medication.
A special workshop was designed to help diabetes care providers upgrade their knowledge on exercise prescription in diabetes clinical practice. “The purpose of the workshop is to review recent evidence on diabetes, exercise and obesity management,” states Dr. Fowles. “This is an interactive session filled with helpful tips and physical activity demonstrations.”
The Canadian Diabetes Association’s Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend all individuals with diabetes accumulate a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise each week and encourage resistance training three times per week.
“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things for diabetes management,” says Lisa Matte, Regional Director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Nova Scotia. “Providing diabetes care providers with useful strategies for incorporating physical activity into a management plan is extremely valuable for people living with diabetes.”
“This invaluable resource is an outcome of collaboration among faculty, students and staff at Acadia University to make a difference in the lives of Canadians with diabetes,” says Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia’s Vice-President, Academic.
“It is a great example of connecting research to community in a real and tangible way with immediate benefits.”
The April 27th, 2012 workshop marks the start of a cross-Canada tour for Drs. Fowles and Shields who will introduce the new Physical Activity and Exercise resource manual for diabetes care providers.