Diabetes Exercise Program

What is the Diabetes Exercise Program?

This program offers people with diabetes the opportunity to exercise in a safe, monitored environment. Our professional staff of registered nurses and exercise specialists will monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate response to exercise. Participants are asked to bring their glucose meter to classes to test their blood sugars before and after exercise. Classes are held three times per week and are approximately one hour long.

How Can the Diabetes Exercise Program Help Me?

Exercise is a good idea for most people, but it is even more important to people with diabetes. By exercising safely you can:

• Improve blood sugars
• Improve blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Increase energy and endurance
• Lose weight
• Improve muscle tone
• Lower blood pressure
• Enjoy an overall feeling of well-being
• Improve sleeping patterns
• Improve confidence
  

How Do I Get Started?

The first step begins with you. Be sure that you’re ready and able to commit to attending your exercise classes regularly. This is the best way to get all the health benefits. You should have a basic understanding of diabetes self-care. If it has been awhile since you attended any diabetes education classes, we recommend making an appointment with a nurse/dietitian in our Diabetes Education Department at 313-343-6830 for a complete nutrition and diabetes management assessment. Once you’ve decided to begin an exercise program, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider. A signed physician referral is required.

How Can I Be Sure That the Program Is Right for Me?

Before you begin the program you will meet with our registered nurse who will work with you and your physician to develop an exercise plan. In order to develop a safe and effective exercise plan, we will evaluate:

• Your current medical history including an evaluation of eyes, kidneys and nerves
• Your blood test results (within the last 6 months) including your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Your stress test results (within the last year)

During your first meeting, our staff will give you more information about the program, show you the exercise room and how to use the equipment.

Does insurance cover this program?

This is usually not a covered benefit. Please call your insuracne carrier to verify benefits, or we will be happy to assist you.

Where are You Located?

You can find us in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at St. John Hospital and Medical Center (313-343-3157) and the satellite facility, St. John Medical Center-Romeo Plank (586-226-6050) located on Romeo Plank south of 21 Mile Road. For more information, please call the location nearest you. We look forward to meeting you.

St. John Hospital and Medical Center
22101 Moross Road
First Floor, Suite 123
Detroit, MI 48236-2172
(313) 343-3157

St. John Medical Center - Romeo Plank
46591 Romeo Plank (South of 21 Mile Road)
Suite 115
Macomb Township, MI
(586) 226-6050
Free parking in lot.