Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
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Moderate intensive exercise is very effective for people with diabetes, as it lowers blood glucose levels. Cycling is a very effective form of exercise. Van Raam makes special needs bikes for people who can no longer cycle on a regular bike with two wheels. Read more about cycling and diabetes and the use of Van Raam special needs bikes with diabetes.
Daily exercise reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, exercise helps regulate the glucose levels in the blood, your blood glucose levels go down, you reduce the risk of (later) problems and complications and you work on your weight. Sufficient exercise also stimulates the recovery of wounds or other complications that diabetics can suffer from.
It is important to discuss with your doctor/treatment specialist/diabetes counsellor when you are in doubt about how and how often it is best to exercise and/or do sports. When using insulin, it is important to measure the blood glucose level before exercise.
It is important to exercise regularly. Cycling is good for diabetes and is a very suitable way of exercising for people with diabetes; you can cycle at your own pace and choose your own bike and distance. The direct effect of a bike ride is that glucose from the bloodstream is absorbed more into the muscle tissue, the active muscle tissue also increases. Exercising often means that you need less medication. It helps with the 'healing process'; you can go cycling to beat diabetes.
In addition, a Danish study among more than 50,000 Danes showed that participants who had cycled regularly had a 20% lower risk of type 2 diabetes (source: gezondheidsnet.nl). Cycling can therefore also prevent diabetes.
There are different types of bicycles, such as exercise bikes, mountain bikes or electric bikes. An e-bike will support you while cycling so that you can cycle with less power yourself. A special needs bike is a good alternative if cycling on a regular bicycle is no longer possible. Read more about diabetes and cycling on the website of Diabetes self-management.
Are you unable to cycle with diabetes on a regular (electric) bike with two wheels? Van Raam has various types of special needs bikes in its collection. These bicycles are available with Van Raam's unique pedal support system. The pedal support makes it possible to cycle both forwards and backwards and with the electric motor you have 3 different support modes and a starting aid. The pedal support can be individually programmed to suit your needs. In addition to pedal support, Van Raam bicycles can also be expanded with other options and accessories to fully customize your bicycle to your wishes and needs.
View all special needs bikes from the Van Raam collection here:
People, who cannot ride on a regular bicycle, look for a proper and safe alternative.
The Van Raam wheelchair bikes are used to enable a wheelchair dependent person to travel by cycle.
The two persons have a good view and can communicate well with each other due to the seats being next to each other.
The low step through bikes from Van Raam enable people to get on their bikes easier.
The compact electric scooter bike is designed for people with stability problems or variable energy level.
Our transport bikes are for children or adults who cannot or do not want to take part in traffic on their own or for recreational use.
Do you have diabetes and are you curious about cycling on a special needs bike? During a test ride at Van Raam it is possible to test one or more adaptive bikes. In the showroom at Van Raam in Varsseveld you will be helped by a technical advisor by appointment to choose a special needs bike. It is also possible to try out an adaptive bike outside on the test track. Afterwards, you will receive a non-committal quote, with which you can order the bike at a Van Raam dealer. Not able to visit Van Raam? At some dealers it is also possible to make a test ride, please contact a dealer in your area for more information.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body has difficulty balancing blood sugar. This is because the body does not have enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetes comes in different types, the two most commonly known:
Diabetes type 1:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and often develops at an early age. The body produces little or no insulin: the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. The lack of insulin causes the blood sugar level in the blood to rise. Patients then have to inject insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.
Diabetes type 2:
The most common type, but the most difficult to recognise. The body no longer reacts effectively to insulin for type 2 diabetics. Initially, the body produces extra insulin, but over time it produces less and less. This keeps the blood sugar level too high. This type is often associated with high weight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels (source: Hartstichting).
A blood test can be used to detect diabetes. Without treatment, too many sugars will stay in the blood, which will cause damage to the blood vessels in the long term. If the blood sugar is very high, this can have serious consequences, such as fainting or even a coma (source: Diabetesfonds). If you suspect you have diabetes, make an appointment with your GP.
Almost everyone knows that cycling improves your health and cycling is good to beat diabetes. You can even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by living healthy and exercising a lot.
There are even more reasons why cycling is good for you and why cycling is good for diabetes. Read more about the health benefits of cycling in the article '10 reasons why cycling is healthy'.
Over 30% of the world's population is overweight. Diabetes is caused by a disturbed energy system. Excess energy is converted into body fat and glucose in the blood. As a result, the insulin level rises and you can get type 2 diabetes (source: beteropweg.com).
Van Raam also makes reinforced bicycles for plus size adults. Read more about the Van Raam tricycles for heavy duty adults here.
Leo Kostwinder from Zwolle (the Netherlands) has been suffering with diabetes for more than 30 years and was diagnosed with progressive poly neuropathy at the beginning of 2016. Since then he is no longer allowed to drive and cycle on a regular bike with two wheels. Leo started looking for a special needs bike after this diagnosis, he ended up at Van Raam and he is now cycling with an Easy Rider tricycle with pedal support.
Leo has an Easy Rider with a reinforced frame with shock absorbers, suitable for riders between 110 and 150 kilos. Furthermore, his tricycle has an extra large seat and on the back of his bike there is a stick holder that is suitable for two sticks. He uses his tricycle on a daily basis and makes beautiful bike rides.
Read the full experience of Leo in his customer experience.
For people with polyneuropathy, it is important to keep exercising as much as possible. For example, by cycling or walking for half an hour a day. This will keep you fit and strong. Read more about this condition and about the use of Van Raam bicycles with polyneuropathy in this article.
Regular exercise with a rheumatic disorder is very important. Besides being relaxing, it can be of great social and psychological significance and negative processes can be stopped. Cycling with rheumatism is a way of moving that can have a positive effect. Read more in this article about this condition and about the use of Van Raam bicycles with a rheumatic condition.
For people with Down's syndrome, movement is not always easy. They often have less coordination and the muscles are not that strong. Nevertheless, movement is very important, and so is cycling. As a manufacturer of unique special needs bikes, Van Raam offers various possibilities and solutions for cycling with Down's syndrome, both for people who can cycle independently and for people who can't (or no longer) do so.
If cycling becomes difficult due to your disability, you have the option to look at a special needs bike. Van Raam has adapted bikes that are suitable for different disabilities. A special needs bike makes cycling (together) with a disability often possible again. Click here to view these special needs bikes.
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