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Diabetes Mellitus: What is it exactly and how to manage it?
Author: CHS Physiotherapy Practice
Published: 18/11/2019

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic, metabolic disease described by elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar), which can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over a lengthy period. There are two main types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes): a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin by itself. For people living with diabetes, access to affordable treatment, including insulin, is critical to their survival.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two types (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Usually the onset is in adulthood (but can occur in children), which arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin or is not producing enough insulin.

Symptoms (may occur suddenly):

  • Excessive excretion of urine
  • Thirst
  • Constant hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Vision changes
  • Fatigue
  • For Type 2 Diabetes, the symptoms are similar but are often less marked. 
Because some of these symptoms may not be evident as diabetes immediately, the disease may be diagnosed several years after its onset, once complications have already arisen.

How can physical activity help individuals with Diabetes Mellitus?

A patient- (individual) specific exercise program is very important in the management of diabetes. Many individuals with diabetes have a BMI score of above 25, placing them in the overweight or obese category. The goal is to address BMI scores (25 and above) for overweight and obese patients. Studies have shown that a regular exercise program for diabetics has a great effect on the regulation of their blood glucose levels.

Structured exercise training that consists of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or both, is associated with HbA1C reduction in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

  • HbA1C is a form of haemoglobin that chemically links to sugar.
  • Structured exercise training of more than 150 min per week is optimal for HbA1C level decline.
  • Physical activity advice is associated with lower HbA1C; however, this must be combined with dietary advice.

Physical therapy does not only help to decrease HbA1C levels. Other benefits include:

  • Decrease chances of other co-morbidities to limit health risks.
  • Accelerated body weight reduction & maintaining proper body weight.
  • Increased energy expenditure.
  • Reduced abdominal fat.
  • Increase in fat free mass (muscles and bones).
  • Increase in muscle tone and strength.
  • Reduction in undesired diet-induced energy expenditure at rest.
  • Improved glucose tolerance.
  • Improves mental health.
If you are concerned about your blood glucose levels or have any questions regarding Diabetes Mellitus, please pop into Campus Health Service and chat to one of our Sisters.