Diabetics Just Want To Have Fun

Filed in archive Exercise on July 31, 2006

Who doesn't? Many find exercising to be complete drudgery, sometimes even painful. No wonder so many of us would rather stay on the couch. A new program, incorporating "fun," is hoping to change that.

A pilot program, called DOROTHEA, teaches high-risk diabetic patients to integrate exercise into their daily lives, without a lot of fuss. The program stresses: not only is exercise necessary, but it can be simple, and even fun.

Many previous exercise referral schemes have had limited impact, Professor Taket said. She explained that DOROTHEA was designed to help diabetes sufferers who could face severe consequences, including losing limbs due to poor circulation, if they did not keep their weight under control. "The scheme isn't about dragging patients to the gym, which people without a mean, lean body can find quite intimidating," she said. "It's all about integrating increased physical activity into their daily routine and offering proactive support at times when they're finding it tough going."

The program works to individualize exercise programs by emphasizing activities the patients already enjoy, such as walking or gardening.

"The DOROTHEA scheme does mean a more hands-on approach in terms of providing support, so we need to explore different ways of doing this," she said. "However, our research definitely points to a system that works for the patient."

Could your exercise program--or your views on exercise--use a DOROTHEA-type makeover?