GPEP – Diabetes Exercise Referral Program


The GPEP program is a structured, supervised physical activity program for people with type 2 diabetes. It is a collaborative effort between the Illawarra Division of General Practice, the University Of Wollongong and Beaton Park Leisure Centre (Wollongong Council).  The program uses a model of GP referral to exercise physiologists for assessment, program design and participant support.

The program aims to improve diabetes outcomes by increasing physical activity among sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes

There are 2 key objectives:

  • To facilitate GP referral of sedentary type 2 diabetes patients to exercise physiologists. Referral involves minimal time by the GP, manages risk, provides safe exercise tailored to individual needs and has the potential for long term participant support.  

  • To achieve improvements in specific clinical and fitness indicators.  These indicators are HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, resting heart rate, cardio-respiratory fitness and upper and lower body strength.

The program is of 12 weeks' duration.  There are 2 semesters per year, commencing in March and August.  Entry is by GP referral only.  The program is open to adults with type 2 diabetes who are sedentary and who are overweight or have an HbA1c of 7% or more.  The program is able to cater for people with diabetes complications or other co-existing health problems.

Key features of the program


An assessment is conducted by an exercise physiologist at the beginning of the program, to measure key indicators of fitness and to discuss health issues, any potential barriers to exercise, motivation, exercise preferences and lifestyle.  Participants are also asked to have a (free) blood test to measure HbA1c and lipids.  

The assessment and blood tests are repeated at the completion of the program to measure changes in fitness and clinical indicators.

    Participants receive a customised physical activity program that is tailored to their needs. Programs can be undertaken at Beaton Park Leisure Centre/Lakeside Leisure Centres or at  the participant's home.  


      Exercise physiologists' assessments and program design are provided free.

        Participants receive 6 individual contact sessions with a senior exercise science student from the University of Wollongong. Supervision is provided by Beaton Park exercise physiologists.

        For the remainder of the 12 weeks, participants undertake their exercise programs independently, with support available as needed.  

        Participants pay for using Beaton Park/Lakeside Leisure Centre facilities.  Reduced rates are available to those in the program.  Casual fees are about $7 per session and an off-peak membership of $42 per month (prices subject to change).  Participants undertaking a home-based program are not charged a session fee.

        Participants attend a group information session at the start and half way through the 12 week program.  This   includes discussion of participants' experiences, their successes and the physical and mental challenges they may have faced in adapting to regular physical activity.

        Participants receive hands-on instruction in the correct use of exercise equipment.  Staff are on hand any time assistance is needed

        Exercises are adapted for those wishing to undertake a home based program.

        Results

        The pilot project conducted in 2004 achieved statistically significant improvements in participants' HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, cardio-respiratory fitness and upper and lower limb strength.  

        In 2006, results were analysed for 57 participants who had complete sets of pre and post results over the 2005-2006 period.  Significant improvements were recorded for:  HbA1c, blood pressure, resting heart rate, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, upper and lower body strength.

        In 2006 a second program, Move For Health was introduced.  This program targets adults who are at risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease due to lifestyle related risk factors such as overweight or obesity, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle or elevated blood sugars or lipids. A GP referral is required.  Further information can be obtained from the IDGP.

         For further information

        Phone Linda Blackmore, Diabetes Program Officer at IDGP, on  02 42267052.