Exercise physiology for type 2 diabetes
Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing blood sugar. We show you how to do it safely, with a focus on the part most people are missing: structured strength training.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body stops responding properly to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar out of your blood and into your muscles. Sugar builds up in the blood, and over time that can affect your heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and feet.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, the most common are:
- Feeling tired most of the time
- Being very thirsty and passing urine more often
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and sores that are slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in the feet
How does exercise help type 2 diabetes?
Exercise helps type 2 diabetes by moving sugar out of your blood and into your muscles. Your muscles are the biggest user of sugar in your body. When they work, they pull sugar out of your blood, and they keep doing it for hours afterwards. The more muscle you have, and the harder it works, the more sugar it can take up.
It works alongside your medication, not instead of it.
Exercise prescription for type 2 diabetes
The recommended exercise prescription for type 2 diabetes is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week plus at least two strength sessions, with the focus on structured resistance training.
150 minutes
of moderate aerobic exercise a week
2 or more
strength sessions a week
That weekly target is the same one recommended for every adult. The difference with type 2 diabetes is where we put the focus. Most people already walk. What they are missing is strength training, and that is where the biggest gains in blood sugar control come from.
Our focus
So we start you on structured resistance training and build it up until you are working at a challenging intensity, because harder-working muscles take up more sugar.
When should you not exercise with type 2 diabetes?
You should not exercise with type 2 diabetes when your blood sugar is low, when it is very high and you feel unwell, or when you are sick.
- Your blood sugar is low, or you feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy or confused
- Your blood sugar is very high and you feel unwell
- You are sick, or have a fever or infection
- You have chest pain or unusual shortness of breath
Exercise is not always the right call. We teach you to recognise the days to pull back, including when:
Why see an exercise physiologist for type 2 diabetes?
An exercise physiologist makes strength training safe and effective when you have type 2 diabetes. Lifting heavier is what makes the difference, and it is also where people get hurt or give up when they go it alone.
- 01
Assess
We assess you first, including your medications, feet, balance and any complications.
- 02
Set and coach
We set the right starting weight and coach your technique.
- 03
Progress
We progress you at a safe pace.
It is not always about doing more. It is about knowing when to push and when to pull back.
Ready to get started?
Type 2 diabetes exercise programs in Wentworthville
Our type 2 diabetes exercise programs run from our clinic at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville, and in homes across the Parramatta and Blacktown areas.
In the clinic
One-on-one sessions at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville.
At home
We come to you across the Parramatta and Blacktown areas.
Diabetes exercise group
Exercise alongside others with type 2 diabetes, supervised by an exercise physiologist.
You start with a one-on-one assessment of your strength, fitness and balance. From there you continue with individual sessions in the clinic or at home, or join our diabetes exercise group. We re-test as you go and can send progress reports to your GP.
Is exercise physiology for diabetes covered by Medicare?
Yes. With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health visits a year, which can include exercise physiology.
Medicare group program
With a GP referral, people with type 2 diabetes can also access one assessment and up to eight group sessions a year under Medicare.
Other funding
DVA, Support at Home and private health cover may also apply. Ask us and we'll tell you what you're covered for.
Type 2 diabetes and exercise: common questions
Book an exercise physiologist in Wentworthville
Not sure if this is right for you? Tell us what's going on and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.