Exercise Physiology for Type 2 Diabetes
- Maddie Cherry
- Jun 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes can be a confronting and scary time. However, there are many things in your control to help manage your condition and improve your overall health.
Our Exercise Physiologists at MOVE are passionate about educating and empowering people to make healthy lifestyle changes that support good cardiometabolic health.
To do this, we take all new clients through a very thorough physical assessment of your strength, fitness and health measurements so we can provide a tailored exercise program to suit your needs and health goals.
What is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (TTDM)?
TTDM is a condition where your blood sugar (glucose) levels become too high, as a result of insulin resistance. This occurs when the body’s cells (especially in muscle, liver, and fat tissue) become less responsive to insulin — the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. As a result, glucose starts to accumulate in the blood.
How does it occur?
TTDM typically occurs as a result of unmodifiable epigenetic, and modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable risk factors
Being overweight - Especially central adiposity
Physical Inactivity - Lack of regular exercise contributes to insulin resistance.
Poor Diet - High intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can lead to obesity and insulin resistance.
High-stress levels
Unmodifiable risk factors
Age - Risk increases with age, and certain ethnic groups are more susceptible.
Ethnicity - Aboriginal populations, South East Asian, Hispanic and Pacific Islander's
Genetic Factors - Family history can increase the likelihood of developing T2DM.
Gestational Diabetes - Women who had diabetes during pregnancy face an increased risk.
Hormonal Changes: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may elevate risk.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain toxins may contribute.
Other Medical Conditions and medication use can influence the development of diabetes.
Why is it important to manage glucose levels?
When blood glucose levels are chronically elevated in TTDM patients, there is an increased risk of:
Kidney disease and possible kidney failure
Problems with vision, and possible blindness
Changes in pain sensation (neuropathy)
Loss of muscle control and balance
Heart disease and stroke.
How does exercise help?
Help prevent or delay T2DM in those at risk of developing T2DM
Improve control of blood glucose - better blood glucose management often means people can reduce their T2DM medications
Decrease the proportion of body fat
Decrease the risk of heart disease increase heart and lung fitness in people with T2DM
As people with diabetes age, the benefit of maintaining muscle mass through exercise is also likely to improve physical function and independence.
Aerobic Exercise - For cardiovascular and respiratory health - think walking, running, swimming, dancing, team sports, hiking for longer than 30mins.
Aerobic exercise is recommended at least 3 days a week with no more than two consecutive days without exercising.
Resistance Training - For bone and muscle it is recommended to participate in resistance training 2 or more times per week (2–4 sets of 8–10 repetitions).
If you would like to learn more about strength and resistance training click here. Do you want to know how your fitness measures up to others your age -> click here?
Exercise Physiology
At MOVE we offer a range of private and group classes that include both aerobic and strength-based activities so you can be assured you are completing targeted exercises for your body and condition.
Medicare rebates are also available for diabetic patients.
Are you ready to get MOVING, but not sure where to start or lacking motivation? Let us help you!
Book your FREE physio phone consult – no obligations, just honest advice to help you find the right fit.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Fact Sheet: general information and national estimates of diabetes in the United States, 2007. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2008. Available from: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Jama. 2010;304(20):2253-62.
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tolerance: the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study. Diabetes Care. 2002;25(5):829-34.
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Australia. J Sci Med Sport. 2011.
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2002;346(6):393-403.
6. Magliano DJ, Barr EL, Zimmet PZ, Cameron AJ, Dunstan DW, Colagiuri S, Jolley D, Owen N, Phillips P, Tapp RJ, Welborn TA, and Shaw JE. Glucose indices, health behaviors, and incidence of diabetes in
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7. Marwick TH, Hordern MD, Miller T, Chyun DA, Bertoni AG, Blumenthal RS, Philippides G, and Rocchini A. Exercise training for type 2 diabetes mellitus: impact on cardiovascular risk: a scientific statement from
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8. Park SW, Goodpaster BH, Lee JS, Kuller LH, Boudreau R, de Rekeneire N, Harris TB, Kritchevsky S, Tylavsky FA, Nevitt M, Cho YW, and Newman AB. Excessive Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Older Adults with
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