Diabetes is quickly becoming one of the largest threats to our health. According to a Chief Health Officer Queensland 2018 Report more than 242,000 people in Queensland have been diagnosed with diabetes, 4.8% of the population. Of those 9% were diagnosed with type 1, 87% had type 2, 3% had gestational and 1% other forms. In 2018, 21,737 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed within a 12 month period.
A diabetes diagnoses can have a range of long-term complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and neuropathy (nerve damage). Those with uncontrolled diabetes are also at a higher risk of plaque building up in the large blood vessels leading to heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease (blood vessel blockage typically in the legs). This reduced blood flow to the legs can reduce the body’s ability to maintain healthy tissues or heal damage that may occur. This reduced ability to maintain healthy tissues can lead to ulcers and eventually amputation. Amputations are at an all-time high on the darling downs with an average of 1 amputation per week due to secondary complications.
However, the good news is that exercise is medicine! Exercise has been shown to reduce the chance of suffering from long term complications. Exercises has been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance, maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep quality. Unfortunately Australians are not getting enough exercise to see these benefits. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 2 adults (55%) did not meet the physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week.
Our Diabetes class is a great way to kickstart your movement journey. This once a week class is designed to give you a foundation that you can build upon for years to come. This class is tailored to your individual needs in a group class environment. If you are interested give us a call or talk to your GP.
