How Exercise Can Help Manage Your Diabetes
Regular exercise is one of the most effective tools in managing blood glucose levels and reducing your risk of diabetes complications. As your local exercise physiologists, we can help design a personalised plan to harness the power of physical activity.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how our bodies process sugar (glucose). With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or doesn’t properly use the insulin it produces (Type 2 Diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar from the food we eat into energy our bodies need. Not having enough insulin or the body not responding normally to insulin causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy. This can lead to serious health complications if diabetes is not managed well.
How Exercise Can Help Manage Diabetes
Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
When you exercise, your muscles are able to absorb and use sugar from your bloodstream more effectively. This helps lower elevated blood sugar levels immediately after physical activity. Increasing your muscle mass through regular strength training allows for increased storage of glucose, aiding a decrease in blood glucose levels as well!
Reduce Insulin Resistance
Exercising regularly can reduce insulin resistance over the long run. This means your body will need less insulin to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Get Started with a Personalised Plan
Our exercise physiologists can create an individualised plan tailored to your current abilities and fitness. They will outline how many times per week you should exercise and for how long based on your individual needs and goals.
Safely Monitor Yourself
Our team will show you how to properly monitor your blood sugar during and after workouts to prevent low blood sugar. This helps you exercise safely and effectively.
Ongoing Support for Long-Term Benefits
Consulting our exercise experts means you’ll get ongoing motivation, guidance, and support to stick to your routine. Long term, exercise supports weight control and reduces your risk for diabetes complications like heart or kidney disease.
Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes:
- Heart disease and stroke – High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Kidney disease (nephropathy) – Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. Excess sugar can damage the kidneys.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Diabetes damages nerves throughout the body over many years. This raises the risk of foot ulcers, limb amputation, and increases your risk of falls due to reduced sensation.
- Eye damage (retinopathy) – Retinal damage from long-term high blood sugar can cause blindness. Regular eye exams are important.
- Skin and foot conditions – Poor circulation and nerve damage raise the risk of skin sores, infections, and dental disease. Feet need examination.
- Hearing impairment – Diabetes is a leading cause of hearing loss, especially in older adults.
- Gum disease – Uncontrolled diabetes raises the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
- Erectile dysfunction – Nerve damage and poor circulation interfere with sexual function in men.
Getting blood sugar well-controlled through diet, exercise, and medication can help prevent or delay all of these serious diabetes complications.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with an exercise program?
At OnePointHealth, our exercise physiologists and accredited practising dietitians work hand-in-hand to help patients manage their diabetes through lifestyle interventions. A key part of any diabetes plan is understanding how to fuel your body properly with healthy, balanced meals and snacks. Our dietitians provide personalised meal planning tailored to each patient’s needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. They consider factors like meal timing in relation to physical activity. The dietitians and exercise physiologists collaborate closely on clients’ goals and treatment approach.
We ensure any exercise prescription supports, not interferes with, the eating plan. With a united approach to diet and movement, patients see improved outcomes as the dietitians’ guidance supports exercise and vice versa. This coordinated effort from our specialists empowers people living with diabetes to take control through sustainable lifestyle changes.
Take Control of Your Diabetes Today
At OnePointHealth, we understand the challenges of managing diabetes, but we also know the power of lifestyle changes in controlling this condition. Our team of exercise physiologists and dietitians are here to support you every step of the way, providing personalised guidance and ongoing motivation. Don’t wait to take control of your health – contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards better diabetes management through exercise and nutrition.