Physical Activity for Diabetes Prevention and Management

Regular physical activity has been proven to improve diabetes management by stabilizing or reducing blood glucose levels, assisting weight management and stabilizing blood pressure and cholesterol.

A sensible diet and regular physical activity have been proven to be the most effective strategies for stopping or delaying pre-diabetes (called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)) progressing to type 2 diabetes. For example exercise has been shown to be twice as effective as diabetes medication in preventing progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

Lifestyle Modification Programs - A Commonwealth Government initiative which enables people aged 40-45 who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes to access advice on lifestyle change.

Locating Other Physical Activity Options

For information on local gentle exercise programs and walking groups run by organizations such as the Heart Foundation go to the Illawarra Division of General Practice Diabetes Information Booklet and Service Directory. The directory also has contact details for local exercise physiologists or go to the Australian Association of Exercise and Sports Science.

Heart Foundation

Resources and contacts

Beaton Park Leisure Centre phone 42296004

Illawarra Public Health Unit 42216700

Heartline (Heart Foundation) 1800 362787

The Illawarra Diabetes Patient Information Booklet and Service Directory