As 2020 moves along, you may find yourself only paying attention to one disease: COVID-19.
However, there is another serious condition that is much more common than you might think.
Diabetes mellitus affects millions of Americans, including 193,000 young adults, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. This disease can be broken down into Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Both are serious, though Type 1 is usually diagnosed earlier in life than Type 2.
Although diabetes is not contagious like COVID-19, this condition may deserve some attention as well.
The Department of Health and Human Services has declared November 2020 to be National Diabetes Awareness Month. Although this disease is not curable, experts have recommended a diet and exercise regimen to help slow the serious side effects of diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), exercise can help control blood glucose (sugar) and improve your body's response to insulin. It can also help you manage diabetes-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
And there's more: Exercise can relieve stress, help you sleep better and build the strength, flexibility and endurance you need to perform daily activities. Physical activity can provide great benefits for people with diabetes at any age. And the earlier you start, the longer you can enjoy the benefits.
Diabetes patients may also struggle with a weakened immune system as a side effect of the disease. Because of this, it is very important for people with diabetes to keep themselves healthy. In the midst of a pandemic, people with diabetes might need to be more cautious. This includes wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and staying away from sick people.
Luckily, the Sam B. Cook HealthPlex in Jefferson City provides a safe environment for diabetic and non-diabetic people. The HealthPlex has equipped itself with multiple spray bottles of cleaning solution, and are requiring masks to be worn by every employee and fitness center member.
The Sam B. Cook HealthPlex also offers several options for aerobic exercise, including traditional equipment like treadmills and bikes, and low-impact equipment such as Nu-Steps. The HealthPlex offers classes for groups, such as light and low aerobics and functional fitness.
The Sam B. Cook Healthplex encourages all people, including those with diabetes, to come try out our equipment and staff. We would love to see you!
Mackenzie Strother works for Capital Region as an athletic trainer. She splits her time between working with people in the Sam B. Cook Healthplex and California High School.