Exercise has the potential to control the diabetes by non-medical means, reduce the severity of the disease, and significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body has trouble taking glucose from the blood and delivering it to the rest of the body so that it can be used as energy. This is due to lack of, or an inability to use insulin, the hormone required to "escort" glucose from the blood to cells of the body.

How exercise can help?

Aerobic exercise increases insulin sensitivity and, along with correct nutrition, helps restore normal glucose metabolism by decreasing body fat.

Strength training (resistance or weight training) also decreases body fat by raising the metabolism. Its main benefit however is increasing glucose uptake by the muscles and enhancing the ability to store glucose. Exercise can mean the difference between "medical management" and "lifestyle management" of Type 2 diabetes.

Exercise helps control Type 2 Diabetes by:

• Decrease Blood Sugar Levels
• Decrease Body Fat
• Decrease Waist Circumference
• Increase Insulin Sensitivity
• Increase Glucose Uptake
• Increase Energy Levels
• Decrease Cardio Vascular Health Risk

Group Diabetes Intervention

In collaboration with Medicare Australia and your General Practitioner, On Trac Lifestyle Management and Fitness Forum Health Club have introduced our Group Diabetes Intervention to equip you with the knowledge, confidence and tools to help manage your diabetes. The group class utilises specialised equipment and the expertise and experience of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist to implement tailored, patient specific treatment and service. This ensures continued motivation and adherence and eliminates physical restrictions and mobility issue barriers, allowing you to improve your health and well being through increased insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.

If you have type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) and want to participate in our Group Diabetes Intervention:

1. Pick up your referral form from any Fitness Forum Health Club and take it to your GP.
2. If you are eligible, bring the signed form to Fitness Forum and our Accredited Exercise Physiologist will assess your physical readiness for the intervention.
3. Once assessed, you can attend up to eight (8) Medicare rebated sessions.
4. Your progression and adherence will be reported to your GP at the completion of the intervention and a recommendation for continuing treatment will be made based on your medical status.

CLICK HERE to ask for more information. or Download a Form [PDF - file size:200KB]

This intervention has been endorsed by the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, Australian Health Corporation, Medicare Australia, On trac Lifestyle Management and Fitness Forum Health Clubs.