7 community resources that can help you cope with diabetes

There are multitudes of community-based opportunities for improving the overall health of people living with diabetes, both in terms of fitness and diet.

For a minimal membership fee, most health clubs will allow you access to their pools so you can swim laps or take a water aerobics class.

• There's no kinder, gentler place to start working out than in gravity-defying water.
• Swimming is easy on your joints and burns tons of calories, all while giving you improved fitness and muscle tone.

Since you weigh only 10 to 15 percent of your land weight in the water, swimming or water exercise classes are great for people who have nerve damage that affects their feet and need to avoid too much weight-bearing activity.

• Resistance (weight) training is just as important as aerobic exercise for diabetes control.
• In fact, it's better than aerobic exercises at increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering your risk for thinning bones and preventing loss of muscle that slows metabolism.

Group classes at a local gym can be more fun and motivating than using at-home strength machines.

• Another way to tap into strength training is to find a certified personal trainer.

Many trainers offer family, couples or small-group training at more affordable prices.

Having weekly sessions for a month or two is a great way to learn an individualized program that starts at your level and meets your personal strength needs.

Take only 1 day off at a time

• Unless you're sick, move your body every day; at most, try not to let two days go by without exercising.

Experts know that going without physical activity makes the body use insulin less efficiently, which in turn makes blood sugar harder to control.

Look for courses through local community colleges or high school continuing education programs.

• Go for general healthy cooking or get creative and sign up for a vegetarian, Mediterranean or Asian cooking class.
• It's a fun, productive way to get out of the house.

• You'll find the freshest fruits and vegetables there, and some interesting varieties you won't find at the grocery store.
• Plus, the produce tends to be local and organic — good for the environment and your health.

You may even meet other locals who are invested in community and good health. Look in your local paper, phone up city hall or search online for markets near you.

It's another great way to lower stress. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center in the United States, yoga decreases stress levels and may help control the glucose levels of people living with diabetes.

• To start, choose a gentle form of yoga, such as hatha, that includes relaxing breathing.
• Check with city hall, go online or call your local community centre to find a class near you.

If you're religious, following your faith can help you deal with stress by reminding you of what really matters in life.

• Attending a local church or temple also provides a sanctuary from life's stresses that you can enjoy with others who share your beliefs.
• The same community can help you out during tough times.

Open your eyes and look around to see where these opportunities and resources are. They can be essential to coping with diabetes.