Diabetes is a metabolic condition that is characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood due to an inability to use insulin or defects in insulin secretion. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2020 – 1.3 million (1 in 20) Australians were living with diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of other chronic health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease) and health complications (e.g., kidney disease). There are a number of modifiable behavioural risk factors such as: poor diet and insufficient physical activity/exercise.
The top 5 benefits of exercise for diabetics:
- Delayed progression of the disease – reduce negative short- and long-term impact of diabetes.
- Improved quality of life and psychological well-being – feel better and maintain function.
- Better control of blood sugar (which can lead to a reduction of T2DM medication) through glucose uptake by the muscles.
- Decreased risk of onset of associated diseases and complications such as heart, kidney and eye diseases.
- Increased heart and lung fitness – have more energy and be less out of breath.
Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university qualified professionals 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. It may be recommended to start with supervised sessions at our facility under the experienced eye of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Nathan Walker or Scott Howard, or your program can be designed to be performed from home. We utilise a free exercise software program called Physitrack, which can be downloaded to your smart phone or tablet, which gives you the ability to message your therapist directly with feedback about your exercises.
If you want to exercise or know someone who does but aren’t sure how to get started, please book an appointment with one of our AEP’s today. They can help show you how to use exercise in the management of diabetes and start enjoying the benefits.
Let Physioconnex help you with your diabetes, book in a appointment today!
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