Condition: Diabetes
What it is:
Diabetes is a condition where your body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose). This can be because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 1) or can’t use insulin effectively (type 2). Over time, high blood sugar can affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and circulation.
Diagnostic Criteria:
- Fasting blood glucose: ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL)
- OGTT (2-hour): ≥ 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)
- HbA1c: ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol)
- Random blood glucose: ≥ 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) with symptoms
Prediabetes (higher risk for type 2):
- Fasting glucose: 5.6–6.9 mmol/L
- HbA1c: 5.7–6.4%
Common Causes:
- Genetics / family history
- Excess abdominal fat
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Age (risk increases after 45)
- Other health conditions (high blood pressure, cholesterol, PCOS)
What to Expect in Your First Session:
- Review of your medical history, lifestyle, and blood sugar control
- Measurements: blood pressure, body composition, functional fitness
- Creation of a personalised exercise plan targeting blood sugar, strength, and overall health
How Exercise Physiology Can Help:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Reduce excess fat and build lean muscle
- Lower blood pressure and support heart health
- Increase strength, energy, and functional fitness
- Reduce risk of diabetes complications
