DASH Program

Diabetes Active Steps for Health (DASH)

The DASH program is aimed at the early identification of risk for falls in people with diabetes.

Falls are an important concern among the elderly, even more so with our aging diabetic population. The impact of a fall goes beyond injury to include psychological distress, fear of falling, and a decrease in physical activities. Fear of falling and decreased mobility further increase the risk of falling.  

A decrease in physical activity is of concern for people living with diabetes as physical activity plays an important role in helping to regulate blood sugar.   

You may be at risk for falls if you:

• Feel unsteady when walking
• Have changes in sensation in your feet
• Have problems with balance
• Have impaired vision
• Have impaired thinking or planning
• Wear clothes/shoes that don’t fit right
• Struggle to get around obstacles 
• Use a combination of medications
• Have fallen in the past
• Consume alcohol or cannabis regularly

The DASH Program includes:

• Fall risk screening by a physiotherapist
• Home exercise program
• Home safety information
• Education to prevent falls
• 8-week follow-up and reassessment

In our assessments, we use gait (walking) and balance measures. As part of the assessment, we use a technology called Stepscan® that provides detailed information about walking and balance. 

Eligibility

Anyone living with diabetes who can walk at least 10 metres independently (including with a cane or walker), and meets one of the following criteria is eligible to participate in the DASH Program.

• Age 50 or older
• Has experienced a fall
• Is at high risk for falls
• Has changes in sensation in feet

Referrals

Location

The DASH Program is located in the Polyclinic at 199 Grafton St., Charlottetown, which is wheelchair accessible. For help finding the suite call 902-288-1170.

Appointments

An appointment takes about one hour. Following the assessment, patients receive a customized home exercise program and education.. 

Contact

Call (902) 288-1170 or email DASHProgram@ihis.org