Being Active with Type-2 Diabetes

We aim to help people living with type-2 diabetes to improve the self-management of their condition by supporting them to improve their everyday physical activity levels in the context of health.

Why is being active important for me?

Being active is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and help manage your type 2 diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes, a physically active lifestyle helps you control your blood glucose levels. It does this in two ways:

1. Physical activity makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Insulin in the hormone that allows your body to use blood glucose for energy.
2. It helps your body use glucose as a fuel for your working muscles, which, in turn, lowers your blood glucose levels. Your muscles need energy to move and they get this energy from the glucose in your blood, as well as the glucose stored in your muscles and, occasionally, from the stores in your liver.

For people with type 2 diabetes, being active can help improve your HbA1c which often means that you can reduce your diabetes medications.

There are many benefits of being active with type 2 diabetes, including:

Helping to managing your blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk of diabetes complications
Improving your circulation
Improving cholesterol levels to help protect against problems like heart disease
Lowering the risk of nerve damage
Helping to maintain muscle mass, strength, power, and balance, which can improve physical function and independence
Helping your joints and flexibility
Preventing osteoporosis and risk of falls
Assisting with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight

Physical activity benefits your mind as well as your body. It is proven to reduce stress levels and improve low mood, and give you energy and help you sleep better, as well as improving your memory.

There isn’t one type of activity that’s best for everyone with diabetes. It can take a variety of forms because physical activity is multidimensional. It’s about finding what works for you as an individual.

What the experts say.

“We know being active helps protect your body against diabetes complications and can help you lead a happier and healthier life.”

Emma Elvin, Senior Clinical Advisor

Diabetes UK

“You don’t have to do traditional exercise, simply moving more is good for your health and diabetes.”

Neil Gibson, Physical Activity Insight Advisor

Diabetes UK

What our clients say.

“It’s definitely helping my diabetes. I’ve been quite pleased about that, my diabetic counts are better, much better.”

FEMALE, 75 YRS

“I would recommend this to anyone who has been told they have Type 2 Diabetes. It is reversable and it is something you can do something about if you are prepared to put in some effort. This programme helps you do that.”

FEMALE, 50 YRS

“My diabetes sugar level has decreased and I feel better within myself”

MALE, 65 YRS

“It has made me more aware of how to manage my diabetes and it has given me the facility to monitor my activity and how to balance a healthy living, because before I had nothing.”

MALE, 88 YRS

“I feel that the programme has changed my outlook permanently and that I will be attempting to further improve in the future.”

MALE, 84 YRS

“If someone’s got diabetes, I’d definitely recommend it.”

MALE, 60 YRS

“I can be chuffed on two counts. I’ve helped with my diabetes and my mental health.”

MALE, 60 YRS

“A brilliant programme! Everyone with Diabetes should be on it!! Thank you!!”

FEMALE, 43 YRS

“It has improved my understanding of how exercise around the house doing daily tasks has affected my sugar levels, it has also helped me get a little fitter, lowered my blood pressure and I have lost 6 pounds in weight up until Christmas.”

MALE, 67 YRS