Diabetes
Exercise Physiology for Chronic Diseases
Current research has found that physical activity and exercise plays a large role in managing pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity, lean muscle mass, cardio-vascular fitness and reduces blood-pressure.
Your AEPs at Healthcare on Collins will prescribe an evidence-based exercise program to help manage your diabetes. It is important to incorporate both aerobic exercise (increases aerobic capacity) and resistance resistance training (twice per week) to manage your blood sugar level.
How Exercise Physiology for Chronic Disease Works
Routine
It requires you to involve in physical activity most days of the week to ensure ongoing management of your blood sugar level.
Insulin Response
This typically entails a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises, with minimal full rest days in between sessions.
This approach is beneficial because the acute response of insulin sensitivity triggered by exercise can last up to 96 hours, meaning AEPs and patients aim to avoid prolonged gaps between workouts to effectively manage blood sugar levels.
Lean Muscle Mass
The guidelines also suggest incorporating higher-intensity strength training to promote lean tissue development.
Engaging in more intense forms of exercise, such as HIIT or resistance training with heavier weights and shorter repetitions, can lead to further gains in:
- Long-term metabolic benefits for insulin sensitivity
- Glucose utilisation
- Weight management
Not everyone may be able to perform exercises at such high intensities. Therefore, AEPs prescribe exercises that are suitable for individual fitness levels and health conditions.
Measuring Blood Sugar Levels
Individuals who engage in consistent exercise may experience a reduction in their HbA1c levels over time, indicating better blood sugar control.
What is Involved in Ongoing Diabetes Management?
We know that lifestyle changes of physical activity and a healthy diet have proven to help manage type 2 diabetes.
Your AEPs at Healthcare on Collins will manage your exercise program. A dietitian can assist with a healthy diet adapted to your needs.
Your GP can create a chronic disease management plan to coordinate your healthcare support team. This involves:
- ✔Lifestyle changes
- ✔Diet (read more about Dietetics here)
- ✔Physical activity supports (EP/Physio)
- ✔Encouraging new behaviours
- ✔Home exercise program
- ✔GP reviews
It is ideal to intervene early to prevent high blood sugar levels from progressing to type 2 diabetes, which is possible during the pre-diabetic stage.
Exercise is valuable in managing blood sugar levels and preventing the onset of diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise physical activity and diet as part of your first options to improve your health.
An Individualised Approach to Diabetic Supports
When supporting a patient with diabetes, your AEPs at Healthcare on Collins will consider other comorbidities such as
- Eyesight
- Neuropathy (nerve damage that can lead to symptoms such as lower balance)
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
It is essential to account for these comorbidities when designing the most effective exercise program for individuals with diabetes. Read more on the exercise for chronic conditions page.
Contact Healthcare on Collins
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are tertiary qualified and marked in exercise rehabilitation.
- ✔AEPs customise exercises to manage specific conditions, ensuring your program suits your individual needs
- ✔The clinic is located in Melbourne CBD
- ✔Save time: you can find your GP, Dietetics and Physio services in-house
- ✔We are staffed by a caring, professional Administration team who would love to support you
Please get in touch through our contact page, or make a booking online. Healthcare on Collins provides compassionate, comprehensive healthcare of the highest quality.
