Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Exercise
Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a condition that affects how the body processes and transports its blood sugar (glucose) around the body. The body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy.
T2DM is becoming more common in developed countries, with rates increasing due to multiple factors, like lifestyle habits, healthcare access, high-calorie diets, and an aging population. The prevalence of T2DM in Australia has been increasing over the years, with over 1.3 million people living with diabetes, and contributing to 11% of the total hospitalisations. T2DM is of significant public health concern, with ongoing efforts in prevention, management, and education to reduce the burden of diabetes and its associated complications. Unfortunately, rates of T2DM are continuing to increase in Australia.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with T2DM?
Exercise therapy is a cornerstone for the management of Type 2 Diabetes, with evidence proving both immediate and long-term benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Lowers blood sugar levels. By increasing glucose uptake in the muscles during exercise, both aerobic and resistance based training reduce the amount of glucose in your bloodstream
Improves Insulin Sensitivity. By improving the cells ability to transport glucose within your body and making it more tuned for insulin binding, reducing the need for medications like insulin.
Helps maintain body weight. Obesity can significantly increase the risk of T2DM, as high levels of adipose tissue impact insulin production, secretion and absorption in men and woman
Improves the overall health and decreases the risk of complications for people with T2DM. Exercise has also been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and enhance physical and mental wellbeing, not only for people with T2DM, but everyone
Exercise Physiologists at Centred EP specialise in the management of Type 2 Diabetes using exercise. We offer evidence based, realistic and practical exercise advice/prescription tailored for you and your specific needs. Centred EP also offer subsides consultations when referred by your doctor using Chronic Disease Management Plans to help with the management of T2DM.
If you would like to book telehealth appointment, or have any other questions,
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References:
Wright, L.A., Hirsch, I.B., Gooley, T.A., & Nathan, D.M. (2004). Effect of exercise on the onset of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 89(8), 3805-3812.
Maiorana, A., O'Driscoll, G., & Goodman, C. (2002). Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training improves functional capacity and strength in T2DM. Diabetologia, 45(9), 1219-1225.
Eriksson, J.G., Lindi, V., Uusitupa, M., & Valle, T.T. (2017). Prevention of T2DM by lifestyle intervention in an Australian population: 4-year results. Diabetes Care, 40(1), e6-e7.
Balducci, S., Zanuso, S., & Nicolucci, A. (2015). Effect of an intensive exercise intervention strategy on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with T2DM. Circulation, 132(17), 1631-1640.
Yamada, T., Hara, K., & Nakamura, J. (2012). Impact of exercise on psychological well-being in adults with T2DM. Journal of Diabetes Investigation, 3(5), 428-434.
