Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterised by an elevated fasting blood glucose level due to defects in insulin secretion or inability to use insulin.

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There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and 2. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the less common form of diabetes which makes up about 10-15% of all cases of diabetes. This type occurs when your pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to regulate your blood glucose in the blood stream and throughout the body. This requires insulin to be injected on a daily basis, multiple times a day to help remove the glucose from the blood and to the vital organs such as your kidneys, heart and eyes. The onset of T1DM usually occurs in 30 years and younger, however you can get it at any age. 

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Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the more common form which makes up approximately 85-90% of all diabetic cases. This occurs usually in the adult population, but it is becoming more and more popular in the younger years due to the lifestyles we are living. This type occurs when the pancreas releases insulin into the blood stream but the bodies ability to utilise this insulin is less effective. This creates a build up of glucose in the blood stream and can lead to serious complications.

 

You may have heard your doctor saying you are insulin resistant. That means your body is resisting the insulin and not putting it to use like it should to create energy for your organs to function properly. This is a sign that you are pre-diabetic and are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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So how can exercise help? Exercise will improve the bodies insulin efficiency by allowing the muscles to respond to insulin more effectively and in turn regulate the bodies blood glucose levels. Exercise also improves the glucose up take and can again regulate blood glucose levels. Having excess body fat can have a huge impact on the uptake of insulin, and exercise is a great way to lose excess fat, along with proper nutrition. 

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Book in with one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists today if you need to manage your diabetes or even want to prevent it! One of our friendly exercise physiologists actually has type 1 diabetes, so feel free to book in with her!