Dorset County Hospital’s diabetes team are inviting people to join a new friendly, low impact cycling group.
The exercise group, which is being set up with the West Dorset Diabetes UK group, is open to anyone but there is an emphasis on people with diabetes.
DCH Diabetes Dietitian Sandra Hood said: “Exercise is important for good health and well-being and this is especially true for people with diabetes. There is always a psychological challenge in starting and maintaining new healthy habits. Having to worry about blood sugar levels just adds to the challenge in people with diabetes.
“The purpose of the cycling group is to help people start a regular exercise habit. This includes a social aspect, as well as making sure that the level of activity is gentle enough for complete beginners.”
Dr Andrew Macklin, Consultant Physician in Diabetes, added: “There will be plenty of people there who understand diabetes, so there’s no need to feel awkward about needing to test or manage your blood glucose during the session. The philosophy of the group, is, ‘no one gets left behind’ – go as slowly as you need to, for as far as you want to!
“The first group will be for cycling as this is low impact and offers more options for catching your breath if that’s needed. We intend to add a jogging/running group slightly later. People who would prefer walking may want to contact the Dorchester Strollers (https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-west/dorchester-strollers ).”
Each cycling session will start with a slow, short section (around 2 miles, which is equivalent to walking about ½ mile) and will aim to increase the pace/distance in stages, as the group sees fit. Each stage will pass through the start point so that people can stop when they feel that they have done enough for the day. If the group gets too big then it will be split into groups of a similar level of fitness. To start with there will be members of the diabetes team leading each of the sessions.
The first cycle group will be on Tuesday 24 March at 5.30pm at the Diabetes Centre, 50 Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 2NQ
All you need is a bike, helmet and lights. If you need to hire a bike, Cycle Life Poundbury are offering discounts on the hire of its electric bikes, telephone 01305 753737 or check out its website www.dorsetcyclelife.com. Mountain bikes are available for hire from Dorchester Cycles, telephone 01305 268787 or go to its website www.dorchestercycles.co.uk
For further information, about this cycle group and Diabetes UK please contact Tim Freeborn (who has diabetes and is a member of the West Dorset Diabetes UK group) or Shona Freeborn on 01305 835870. You can also visit the group’s website at https://www.west-dorset.diabetesukgroup.org
