Next week, November 15th -21st is Diabetes Awareness Week in  NZ. One of the themes for this special week is "stay on your feet and stay "sweet as". This is to encourage people to do 30 minutes of exercise a day.  It is a reminder of just how important it is to "keep moving". Sedentary behaviour is one of the known risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Every hour spent watching TV increases the risk of premature death from all causes,” says Professor Dr David Dunstan from Australia’s Baker IDI Heart and Diabetic Institute.  “We are starting to understand that sitting is a potentially large public health issue”.  He compares it to awareness about the danger of sun damage 20 years ago. One American expert goes as far as to call sitting “the new smoking”.

Whilst walking is an easy way to exercise daily, there are many alternatives such as swimming, cycling, going to the gym, dancing or attending exercise classes. It is important too, to look after our feet in order to remain healthy and active. Joint deformities and stiffness, ulcers, numbness and swelling often occur and are particularly common with diabetes. With the correct care and good blood circulation these can often be avoided.

Keeping the blood circulating freely is not always easy if you are less mobile than previously, cannot have weight bearing or strenuous activity or if you love to sit in front of TV for long evenings. However, there are ways to keep circulation to feet and legs boosted – even while you are sitting.

Some diabetes clinics and podiatrists recommend the Aircycle for this purpose. It is a great circulation booster and so easy and relaxing to use. But whichever way you find most enjoyable, the important thing is to “keep moving”. Gardening and doing our own housework may  be more valuable than we think for a long life.