How can an exercise physiologist benefit someone with diabetes?

In some cases, your doctor may refer you to an exercise physiologist to do a more thorough examination of your health. An exercise physiologist will do a variety of tests to determine your fitness level, including measuring your strength, flexibility, endurance, and body fat. The physiologist may also give you a treadmill stress test, in which you walk on a treadmill while your blood pressure and heart function are monitored. The test detects how a workout affects your heart activity and blood pressure.

When You Might Need a Treadmill Stress Test

• If you are about to begin a moderate- or high-intensity exercise
         program.
• If you are over 35 and have heart disease, cardiovascular risk
         factors, vascular complications, or nerve disease.

You’ll need a referral to see an exercise physiologist if your doctor does not perform the test. Many hospitals and universities have wellness programs for people with diabetes or rehabilitation programs for people who have had heart surgery or stroke. These programs offer stress tests by exercise physiologists and a full range of exercise options to get you started in a medically supervised environment.

If the exercise physiologist has experience working with individuals living with diabetes, he/she will play an important role in helping the individual manage their diabetes through exercise.

A clinical exercise physiologist will understand that the exercise response between a person who is not living with diabetes and a person who is, is very different.  Hence, he/she will be able to design a exercise plan based upon the specific needs of the individual.