Diabetes UK, in partnership with Sport England, has launched an initiative to encourage and support people living with diabetes across Sandwell to get more active.

Sandwell is at the heart of the campaign with face-to-face ‘Get Moving’ classes with gentle activity set to start in Oldbury next month. Celene Walker, Diabetes UK Physical Activity Project Co-ordinator for Sandwell, West Birmingham and Walsall, said:
 
“We hope people in the local area who live with diabetes and are currently finding it hard to get active or need support take up this opportunity. It’s a great springboard to a healthier you and small changes really do add up to big health benefits.
 
“Many of us have felt anxious, worried and unable to keep active during the coronavirus pandemic. It really has never been more important to introduce activity for both a healthy body and a healthy mind.”
 
Moving more when you have diabetes is an important way of managing your condition and making a few small changes in your daily life can give your health a real boost. Some of the many benefits of physical activity include helping the body use insulin better; helping to look after your blood pressure, as high blood pressure increases your risk of diabetes complications; and helping you lose weight if you need to.

Despite this, we know many people can find it difficult to start moving more, worrying that it can be too tiring or could cause hypos. That’s why Diabetes UK and Sport England are working together to help build confidence and provide support. Celene added:
 
"Taking those first steps to a healthier life can be tough, which is why Diabetes UK has introduced support to make the journey easier.
 
"Alongside the face-to-face classes in Oldbury, we have a dedicated physical activity helpline advisor who can offer practical and supportive advice about starting to move more in your day-to-day life. This support is available whatever your confidence level or ability to move."

To find out more, or to just have a chat, you can email helpline@diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399.

Diabetes UK has also created a free PDF guide to help people with diabetes start moving more. It provides key information about why it’s important to get active and shows you how to include different types of exercise into your daily life.

The guide is available to download now at diabetes.org.uk.