Empower Pickleball Partners with Kelly’s Choice for Diabetes Awareness Month
We’re excited to share that Empower Pickleball has partnered with Kelly’s Choice to bring you valuable wellness insights throughout the year! As part of this partnership, and in honor of November being Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re highlighting ways to understand and manage diabetes—along with Kelly’s Choice’s tips for healthy living. Here’s a special article they crafted for our community to mark this month of awareness.
Diabetes: Understanding the Condition and How It Affects Us All
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, impacting daily life in ways that aren’t always visible. When we talk about diabetes, we’re usually referring to one of two main types: Type 1 and Type 2. Both involve how the body handles blood glucose (or blood sugar), which is crucial for energy. But there are key differences, and understanding these can help us better support those around us and ourselves if we’re touched by the condition.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of moving into cells to be used for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.
Type 2 Diabetes is more common and often develops later in life, though younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with it. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it. This type can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, though medication is often needed as well.
How Exercise, Including Pickleball, Helps
One of the best ways to manage Type 2 diabetes is through regular exercise. Physical activity helps the body use insulin more efficiently, improving blood glucose levels. For many women, a sport like pickleball provides not just the benefits of exercise but also the mental boost of community and support—a win-win for managing health and having fun!
Pickleball combines cardio, agility, and muscle engagement, making it an excellent form of exercise. Studies show that just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Plus, activities like pickleball are perfect for staying motivated because they’re social and fun—two ingredients that make it easier to stick to an active lifestyle.
Tips for Managing Diabetes with Nutrition
Nutrition is just as essential as exercise for managing diabetes. This means choosing foods that keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. Here are a few practical, delicious tips to keep in mind:
1. Fill up on fiber - High-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help slow down sugar absorption and keep you feeling full longer.
2. Choose lean proteins - Proteins like chicken, turkey, tofu, and fish help with stable energy without causing spikes in blood sugar.
3. Healthy fats are friends - Don’t shy away from avocados, nuts, and olive oil! These fats are good for your heart and can help balance blood sugar.
The great news? These foods aren’t just good for diabetes management—they’re great for overall energy, mood, and wellness, helping you play your best game, on and off the court.
How We Can Support Each Other in Diabetes Awareness
Community support is at the heart of Empower Pickleball. When we come together in awareness months like this, we build a space where everyone feels understood and cared for. Let’s support each other by staying informed, sharing resources, and welcoming everyone—whether they’re here for fitness, friendship, or both. It’s amazing to see how the collective power of our community can help us all live healthier lives.
About Kelly’s Choice: Kelly’s Choice, founded by registered dietitian Kelly Springer, has a simple yet powerful mission: to help people make healthier food choices to transform their well-being. Kelly’s Choice provides nutrition counseling, resources, and education on topics from disease prevention to sports nutrition. With a focus on realistic, approachable changes, Kelly’s Choice believes everyone deserves to feel their best—and they’re here to support communities just like ours to make that a reality. Learn more at kellyschoice.org.
You can also follow Kelly’s Choice on Facebook and Instagram for daily tips, recipes, and inspiration on living a balanced, healthy life!