For consumers
(1300 633 424)
Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm AEST
Your call will be answered by healthdirect Australia
For health professionals
Find out the active ingredient and other brand names of your medicines with the NPS Medicine Name Finder
For a medicinewise Australia
Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence based.
Site Tools
Physical activity & exercise in type 1 diabetes - Independent medicine & health information Physical activity and exercise in type 1 diabetes
Regular physical activity is an important part of managing diabetes and improves fitness, health and wellbeing in many ways. It:
- reduces blood glucose levels because the cells of the body take up glucose from the blood during exercise
- helps with weight loss for people who are overweight, and increases the amount of active muscle tissue (aim for a body mass index [BMI] of less than 25)
- lowers the amount of fat and cholesterol in the blood
- lowers blood pressure
- improves the health of the heart and circulatory (cardiovascular) system.
About 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days per week is recommended for most adults. Many people will need to work up to this goal gradually — the important thing is to get started.
Aerobic exercise that increases heart rate, such as a brisk walk or climbing the stairs, and resistance exercises involving lifting moderate weights (8–10 repetitions) are recommended.
It’s important when starting an exercise program that your blood glucose levels and any diabetes-related complications (e.g. any foot problems and high blood pressure) are being managed by a health professional.
An exercise physiologist can provide advice on suitable exercises for people with diabetes and help you get started. Your doctor can refer you to an exercise physiologist. To find an exercise physiologist near where you live, go to the Exercise and Sports Science Australia website.
More in-depth information on physical activity for adults, children, teenagers and older people is available in the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing’s National Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians.
For more information on what is considered moderate exercise, and how much we need to do, watch the video below.
Video: Moderate exercise — many of us are confused about what ‘moderate’ actually means
©2011 Tonic
Reference
Craig ME, Twigg SM, Donaghue KC, et al for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Guidelines Expert Advisory Group. National evidence-based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and adults. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2011. www.diabetessociety.com.au/downloads/ Type1guidelines14Nov2011.pdf (accessed 15 November 2011).
Date published: 2011-12-06 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
© 2012 National Prescribing Service Limited. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
 |
 |