Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in high levels of blood glucose (sugar). This can lead to serious complications over time if left unmanaged, affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Causes of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune reaction where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes – The body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, often related to being overweight, inactive, and genetic factors.
- Gestational Diabetes – Occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance.
How our Exercise Physiologists can help:
Assessment – Our exercise physiologists conduct a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation, including medical history, review of diagnostic tests, assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness levels, and any diabetes-related complications.
Exercise Prescription – Based on the assessment, an individualised exercise program is developed tailored to the type of diabetes, treatment regimen, limitations, and goals. This may involve aerobic exercise, resistance training, flexibility work, and other activities. See Mastering Diabetes Exercise and Education class for further information.
Diabetes Management Program – Exercise physiologists play a key role in structured diabetes management programs, often in collaboration with diabetes educators, dietitians, and other healthcare providers. These programs combine exercise with education on lifestyle modifications. See Mastering Diabetes Exercise and Education class for further information.
Monitoring and Progression – Close monitoring of blood glucose levels, vital signs, and exercise responses is done during exercise sessions. The program is gradually progressed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and overall health.
Education – Providing education on the benefits of exercise for diabetes management, appropriate nutrition, stress management, foot care, and promoting long-term adherence to an active lifestyle.
Collaboration – Working closely with endocrinologists, GPs, certified diabetes educators, dietitians, and other professionals for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care.
Benefits:
- Improved blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity.
- Better weight management and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
- Increased energy levels and improved quality of life.
- Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.
- Guidance on safe, tailored exercise programs.
- Support for long-term lifestyle changes.
The Exercise physiologists at Physio Connex will help play a vital role in diabetes management by developing and implementing individualised exercise programs, providing education, and promoting long-term adherence as part of your comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.
Meet the Physio team
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Meet the Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning team
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Coach
Meet the Massage team
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Find out more about how Physio Connex can get you back in the game quicker
There is strong evidence for exercise and education to assist in the management of diabetes and Physio Connex has the personnel to help get you started on your journey. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university qualified professionals and can be part of a multidisciplinary team to help deliver group education and exercise programs for diabetics. AEPs are equipped with the knowledge to design safe and effective exercise programs for people living with, or at risk of developing diabetes.
Thorough evidence-based pre-screening and relevant fitness testing is conducted onsite at our state-of-the-art functional rehabilitation facility to gain an understanding of all the health conditions you are living with, how they impact your life and your current level of fitness. AEPs play a pivotal role in managing diabetes by designing personalised exercise programs that help control blood glucose levels. They understand the unique physiological responses to exercise in individuals with diabetes and use this knowledge to create safe and effective routines.
One thing that is well known is that exercise is easier (and sometimes more fun!) when you aren’t on your own. As part of our ever-expanding services, we’ve launched our Mastering Diabetes class, which will incorporate weekly exercise and education in a 60-minute session.
Mastering Diabetes Exercise & Education Program
Join our experienced EPs for our new Mastering Diabetes program designed to help you live with diabetes.
The program consists of a series of 8 supervised 60-minute classes, plus an education component.
We’ll work closely with you (in a small group environment, a maximum of 4 participants), monitoring progress and adjusting the program as needed, ensuring you exercise safely and effectively. The group exercise regime generally includes a combination of aerobic activities and resistance training, which together can:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Aid in weight management
- Enhance cardiovascular health.
The personalised educational component will cover a range of topics including BGL monitoring – responses to exercise, weight management and goal setting.
The long-term goal is to empower you to manage your diabetes, reduce dependency on medication, and improve overall quality of life.
Class Times: 8am and 9am; Monday, Tuesday and Friday
Fee: $50 + GST per class
Call Physio Connex on (02) 4314 5183 to reserve your spot, or download the flyer to learn more.
To assist in accountability, we utilise a free exercise software program called Physitrack, which can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet, giving you the ability to message your Exercise Physiologist directly with feedback about your exercises. It ensures that you can begin exercising on your own; safely and effectively.
If you want to exercise or know someone who does but aren’t sure how to get started, start the process with an appointment with your GP to discuss your eligibility under the Medicare Benefits Schedule and then book an appointment with one of our AEPs today for your initial assessment.
By participating in our Mastering Diabetes class, we can help show you how to use exercise in the management of diabetes and start enjoying the physical, psychological and social benefits of life.
Resources and further reading:
