Diabetes Standards of Care and Resources for Clinicians and Educators
Physical Activity
Physical activity is important for achieving glycemic control goals, and it is a core component of diabetes self-management. Physical activity improves strength and endurance, improves insulin action, lowers blood glucose levels, improves body mass index, and reduces depression.
Any increase in physical activity is beneficial for patients. Physical activity does not have to be limited to structured aerobic or resistance exercise; it includes activities such as walking, gardening, dancing and any movement of the body that uses energy.
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Clinical Practice Recommendations
Recommendations for Physical Activity
- Document patients' level of physical activity at diabetes visits and encourage individuals to set behavioral goals to begin or increase physical activity.
- Assess patients for medical conditions that might affect the type, frequency, and intensity of physical activity in which they engage.
- When available, referral to a fitness specialist for supervision and coaching is highly recommended. There are fitness specialists and programs available in many AI/AN communities.
Clinician and Educator Resources
Featured Physical Activity Resources
| Organization | Resource |
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Diabetes Education Lesson Plan
Tools for Diabetes Educators and Community Members
Videos: Physical Activity Programs
(Running time: 2:02) |
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Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - 2nd edition Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov [PDF] |
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Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov |
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Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov Diabetes Care 2016;39(11):2065-2079 |
Patient Education Resources
Physical Activity Patient Education Resources
| Organization | Resource |
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Education Materials and Resources (Online Catalog) |
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Exercise & Physical Activity Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov |
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ADCES7 Self Care Behaviors™: Being Active Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov [PDF] |
CME Training
| Session Title | Session Material | CME/CE Information |
|---|---|---|
New Managing Diabetes in Older Adults using Resistance Training Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Brian Laban
Native American Fitness Council John Blievernicht MA Native American Fitness Council (Originally presented on 09/19/2024) |
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New Applying the ADCES 7-Self Care Behaviors in Navajo Communities Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Denee Bex MPH, RD, CDCES
Tumbleweed Nutrition LLC (Originally presented on 04/03/2024) |
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New Exploring Fitness Instructor Certifications through the Native American Fitness Council (NAFC) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Brian Laban
Native American Fitness Council (Originally presented on 02/07/2024) |
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New Better Understanding Diet, Physical Activity, & Cardio-metabolic Health in American Indians Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Mandy Fretts PhD MPH
Department of Epidemiology University of Washington School of Public Health (Originally presented on 01/24/2024) |
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New Mindful Exercise in Health and Disease: The Practice (Part 2) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Ralph La Forge MSc, FNLA
Duke University Endocrine Division University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Program on Integrative Medicine (Originally presented on 12/20/2023) |
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New Mindful Exercise in Health and Disease: The Science (Part 1) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov
Ralph La Forge MSc, FNLA
Duke University Endocrine Division University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Program on Integrative Medicine (Originally presented on 12/06/2023) |
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Ralph La Forge MSc, FNLA
Duke University Endocrine Division University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Program on Integrative Medicine (Originally presented on 08/09/2023) |
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Ralph La Forge MSc, FNLA
Duke University Endocrine Division University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Program on Integrative Medicine (Originally presented on 09/21/2022) |
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