Exercise experts warn Australians about diabetes growth
National Diabetes Week — 14-20 July 2013
12 July 2013
With the latest statistics showing up to 3 million Australians over the age of 25 years will have diabetes by the year 2025* if incidence rates continue to rise at their current rates, the head of one of Australian’s peak exercise science bodies is warning Australians – the disease is getting out of control.
Anita Hobson-Powell, Exercise is Medicine® Australia (EIM) spokesperson, said National Diabetes Week — which takes place between 14 and 20 July — serves as a timely reminder for Australians to take steps to change their risk levels in regard to diabetes.
“It is a sad indication of our society that while third world countries are battling diseases largely beyond their control, we’re in a position where our fastest growing chronic disease is largely born from over-indulgence and inactivity,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“It’s really frustrating to know that something as simple as regular exercise could turn these statistics around yet so many Australians are still falling victim to diabetes every year.”
“Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), reducing the incidence of the disease by almost 60 per cent in people at risk, or even delaying its onset.”
“It’s crucial that Australians take stock of their activity levels with the aim include at least two-and-a-half hours of exercise into their weekly routine – that’s only around two per cent of the average person’s waking hours. With National Diabetes Week upon us, we encourage everyone to use this opportunity to evaluate their risk levels and to talk to their doctor about whether they are at risk of being diagnosed with T2DM.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said regular exercise was also beneficial to those already living with T2DM as it was known to improve control of blood glucose, decrease the proportion of body fat, decrease the risk of heart disease, and increase heart and lung fitness.
“Exercise plays an important role at all levels of the health spectrum; from disease prevention, right through to management and treatment,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“People who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can benefit from regular exercise, as studies show physical activity improves how insulin works in the body, decreases the dose of insulin required, improves cardiovascular health and fitness, reduces cardiovascular risk factors and the risk of diabetes-related complications, and improves quality of life,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
Ms Hobson-Powell said people with T1DM who did not have diabetic complications could be involved in most types of exercise and physical activities to help improve their condition.
“T1DM sufferers can enjoy a variety of physical activities, recreational sports and even competitive sport at low, moderate or high intensities, which will all play an important role in improving overall health and quality of life” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Exercise really is the perfect medicine and it doesn’t have to cost a cent.”
Exercise is Medicine® is an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), which aims to make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment paradigm in Australia.
EIM offers free resources to educate the public regarding diabetes and starting an exercise program. For those interested in incorporating physical activity into their lifestyles, EIM also offers its free Public Activity Calendar of Events (PACE), which lists fitness and activity opportunities for all levels. The calendar can be viewed online at www.exerciseismedicine.org.au/active-workplaces/events.
To learn more, visit www.exerciseismedicine.org.au or to find a local Exercise Physiologist, please visit the Exercise and Sports Science Australia website at www.essa.org.au.
Ends.
*Source: Diabetes: The silent pandemic and its impact on Australia, researched by Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute in partnership with Diabetes Australia and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation —www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Documents/DA/What%27s%20New/12.03.14%20Diabetes%20management%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
ABOUT EXERCISE IS MEDICINE®
As an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), Exercise is Medicine® aims to make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment paradigm in Australia, improving community health and reducing long-term health care costs. The program hopes to make every Australian doctor consider physical activity and exercise as a standard part of treatment programs resulting in more people being prescribed exercise for either prevention or treatment of chronic conditions.
The three guiding principles of Exercise is Medicine® Australia are designed to improve the health and well-being of all Australians through regular physical activity prescription from doctors and other allied health providers. The guiding principles are as follows:
• Physical activity and exercise are important to health and the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases;
• More should be done to address physical activity and exercise in health care settings; and
• Support the referral of patients to appropriately trained allied health professionals to deliver exercise treatment services.
Resources include the following:
• Exercise and T1DM fact sheet, www.exerciseismedicine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Diabetes-Type-1.pdf
• Exercise and T2DM fact sheet, www.exerciseismedicine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Diabetes-Type-2.pdf
• Tools and tips for starting an exercise program, www.exerciseismedicine.org.au/public/public-tools-and-forms
Website: www.exerciseismedicine.org.au
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500+ members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official Media Spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road, Albion, QLD 41010
Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
Tel: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
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