Type I (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus):
• Is caused by an autoimmune destruction of insulin-making cells in the pancreas, which means insulin is no longer made.
• Is one of the most common childhood diseases in developed nations.
• Can occur at any age.Type II (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) is:
• Caused by either inadequate levels of insulin or insulin that doesn't work effectively in the body.
• Most common after the age of 40, although the age of onset can be earlier.
• Often, but not always, associated with obesity, particularly around the abdomen or upper body.
• Found in families, but no specific genes have been found.
• Responsible for 85 to 90 per cent of all diabetes in developed countries.
Symptoms of high blood glucose
When there are high levels of glucose in the blood, the body loses its main source of energy, even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose. The build-up of glucose in the blood can cause distressing symptoms and actual harm to the body's cells. Symptoms include:
• Extreme tiredness
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Increased risk of infections.
There is no cure for diabetes, but the symptoms can be controlled. The treatment depends on the type of diabetes. The aim of all treatment is to control blood glucose levels, blood pressure, weight and blood fat levels. Treatments can include:
• A low fat, high carbohydrate diet.
• Regular exercise.
• Avoiding cigarettes.
• Insulin injections or tablets to control blood glucose levels
South Pacific Health Club, currently hold a program called “Active Seniors". This program focuses on the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet, plus educates those with diabetes on how to manage the associated symptoms, and improve quality of life. The “Active Seniors" groups meet twice weekly with a fully qualified trainer. This program is open to any senior person. For more information please visit us at call South Pacific Health Club, or call on 9525 4888.
From website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• two supervised exercise sessions per week (a third unsupervised session is encouraged)
• individually-tailored strength training programs
• small group sessions – twelve people or less
• an assessment and individual program update every eight weeks
• regular feedback to you and/or your doctor about your progress and achievements
• regular information handouts
Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high blood Glucose (sugar) levels. Our bodies rely onBlood glucose for energy. Blood glucose levels are normally regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Insulin stimulates the body’s cells to use glucose as energy. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, or the cells don’t respond to the hormone.Latest research has shown that in the Australian population aged 25 years or older, 7.5 per cent have diabetes. The risk of diabetes increases with age, from 2.5 per cent in people aged between 35-45 years to 23.6 per cent in those over 75. Aboriginal people have one of the highest rates of Type II diabetes in the world.
Active Seniors is an exercise program incorporating fitness and strength training for our senior members, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not. Active Seniors
• gives you supervised instruction in a friendly social environment
• makes you healthier, stronger and better able to go about your daily tasks with increased confidence and a sense of freedom
Active Seniors will help you:
• increase your muscle size and tone
• lower your body fat
• strengthen your bones, thereby reducing the risk of fractures
• improve your flexibility, balance and posture
• reduce the pain and disability caused by arthritis
• better manage any stress or depression you feel
• achieve better diabetes control
Active Seniors is unlike other programs you’ll normally find in health and fitness centres. It is driven by medical research and offers you continuous support and guidance from instructors who have received specialised training.
