Exercise Physiology for Diabetes

If you are working to manage diabetes or prevent the condition altogether, exercise is an incredible solution. An exercise is a powerful tool in a person with diabetes toolbox that is worth the trouble. The short-term and long-term benefits of exercise on insulin and blood sugar health are unquestionable. An exercise physiologist can be a tremendously valuable asset when it comes to integrating exercise that helps you manage diabetes into your lifestyle.

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise physiologists are allied health professionals with broad training in understanding the human body and its response to exercise. Exercise physiologists are much more than a gym instructor or personal trainer. Exercise physiologists are educated with knowledge about the human body and all the benefits that exercise has to offer, both physically and mentally. This isn't only in regard to fitness but specifically in the context of pain, injury, chronic condition, and disability.

Exercise physiologists use their knowledge with a therapeutic approach, which is aimed to improve their patient’s quality of life and disease management across all populations. More importantly, exercise physiologists are trained individuals that have studied how to safely use the science of exercise and conditioning techniques. They have extensive knowledge of chronic health conditions like diabetes and how to use exercise to help.

Role of Exercise Physiologist in Diabetes Care

It is vital to include an exercise physiologist in your healthcare team, which includes your doctor, as well as any other health professional in your care, such as a dietician or case manager. It is the job of your exercise physiologist to help you reach your goal. Some of the most common goals that people with diabetes look for are:

• Shedding some amount of weight
• Reducing blood sugar or A1C
• Decreasing blood pressure
• Increasing muscle mass
• Lowering cholesterol

One of the most significant benefits of working with an exercise physiologist is that they consider your medical history and create a plan that works for you. Your exercise physiologist takes into account underlying problems that cause diabetes and
determine the right kind of exercises that are safest for you and your health condition.

When to Go See an Exercise Physiologist to Help Manage Your Diabetes

You can consult an exercise physiologist at any time since they don’t just help treat diabetes conditions but also prevent it. However, some of the specific period that it’s highly recommended you go see a physiologist include:

• You are recently diagnosed with diabetes
• You need advice on how to prevent diabetes
• You have been informed that you are at a high risk of developing diabetes
• You want to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol
• You need to get your blood sugar under control

However, you’d want to check with your doctor to ensure the exercise is safe for you before contacting an exercise physiologist.

How Can We Help?

As each person’s lifestyle and needs are different, our experienced exercise physiologist will work with you to create treatment plans that suit your health need. Make an online booking to discuss your goals and needs.

Learn more about how our Exercise Physiologists can help you.
Movement 101 Botany, Marrickville, Waterloo & Wolli Creek