Why exercise when you have Type 2 Diabetes

Exercise can reduce progression and side effects of type 2 diabetes by:

• Improving glycaemic (blood glucose) control
• Increasing insulin sensitivity for up to 72 hours post exercise
• Resistance exercise increases muscle mass which becomes glucose storage space
• Weight loss
• Decreasing blood pressure
• Improving self confidence
• Improving cardiac function
• Decreasing depression
• Improving muscle strength, flexibility and balance

Type of exercise

• Incidental exercise: walking to work, taking the stairs etc
• Low to moderate intensity: walking, exercise bike, swimming, water aerobics etc

How much exercise
• 30 min to 1 hour of low to moderate intensity exercise daily (i.e.- you are still able to hold a conversation but may be a little breathless). Minimum amount of exercise should be 150 min / week (3×30) at 50-70% of maximum heart rate.
• Avoid resting for more than 2 days in a row
• 8-10 resistance exercises exercising all the major muscle groups should be performed twice a week.

Your Physiotherapist will recommend a personalized program for you to start with and progress every month or as needed.

Do not exercise if you are unwell,

PLEASE SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR GP BEFORE COMMENCING EXERCISE