Diabetes and Exercise - Beating The Sugars
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is a complex medical condition where a person cannot maintain a healthy range of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the technical term for the most basic form of sugar and is the primary source of energy for our body. When glucose levels cannot be managed internally through the bodies normal pathways, short and long term health complications can occur.
Typically there are 3 forms of diabetes the first being type 1 diabetes (T1DM), an autoimmune condition where the immune system actively destroys specific cells responsible for producing insulin a hormone integral to controlling glucose levels. Secondly, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) results in insulin resistance where the body is desensitised to the normal effects of insulin, consequently over time this results in the reduced capacity of the pancreas to produce insulin. Thirdly, gestational diabetes (GDM) which is variation of the condition that manifests itself during pregnancy.
What is exercise's role in treatment of this condition?
Irrespective of whether you have diabetes, are currently pre-diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes everyone can enjoy the vast benefits of engaging in physical activity. It plays an integral role in keeping you strong, resilient and healthy. Specific to diabetic patients exercise is generally classified as one for the first primary management strategies in taking control of your blood glucose levels. Evidence surrounding T2DM has demonstrated an improvement in glucose regulation in those diagnosed and reduced risk of developing insulin resistance for those at risk. Similarly, in T1DM exercise has demonstrated a clear effect of improving the effectiveness of insulin which aids the glucose regulation listed above. In conjunction, everyone irrespective of condition will benefit from reduced blood pressure, reduced risk of metabolic conditions, improved cardiovascular fitness and the powerful psychological benefits of reduced stress and improved mood.
How can an Exercise Physiologists help?
It is recommended that those diagnosed with diabetes engage in a supervised physical activity program by an accredited health professional to support the goals and needs of the person. As Exercise Physiologists we understand the complexity of the condition and can help tailor a program to help with this while aligning with your treatment plan. Exercise Physiologists will help you to monitor your blood glucose levels pre, during and post session to ensure you're exercising safely. At Wellness Through Movement we offer individual 1:1 support and consultations in which we support, monitor and work collaboratively with you and your healthcare team to help you achieve the best possible results. Additionally we offer group classes which combine resistance training, cardiovascular conditioning and balance training to improve your health and well being.
