According to the study carried out by Dr Lauren Marie Sparks from Sanford-Burnham Medial Research Institute in Orlando US, exercise did not improve blood glucose control, insulin sensitivity or the fat burning capability of muscles. Instead they claim genetics play a much greater role in determining whether exercise will or will not benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

People develop type 2 diabetes when their body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or when their body becomes resistant to the hormone insulin, which unlocks cells in the body to allow glucose inside to be used for energy. Insulin resistance leads to excess glucose in the bloodstream and over time can lead to serious damage to the body’s systems, particularly to the nerves and blood vessels.

Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 46 years old, Diabetes NSW Ambassador Yvonne Appleby said she constantly felt exhausted no matter how much rest she got and she started getting sick with sore throats, ear infections and gained 20kg.

“I had been sick for seven years and it was frustrating because they couldn’t find anything wrong with me and my weight continued increasing, but I hadn’t changed my normal routine,†Yvonne said.

“Once I was diagnosed and started taking medication, I felt a lot better – almost immediately – and I began dancing, losing 15kg and it’s now become my passion,†she said.

Yvonne said Diabetes NSW helped her understand and manage her condition and provided the support she needed.

“I joined the Type 2 Group Education Program where I got an overview of how life would be as I learned how to deal with the day-to-day issues, how to eat well, how to exercise and how to shop effectively. The Customer Care Line told me what my numbers meant and offered more support and information and the information sheets on the website were extremely useful and are still valuable today,†Yvonne said.

Diabetes NSW Head of Education and Health Services, Kristen Hazelwood said that exercise generally will continue to assist the overall wellbeing of someone with diabetes.

“It’s not only great for your physical health when diabetes is controlled properly, and people find they lose weight – which we have seen through the success of our Beat It programs – but it also assists with their mental and emotional wellbeing which can be challenged with the diagnosis,†Ms Hazelwood said.

“Although it may not be a preventative measure in some cases – Diabetes NSW encourages a lifestyle approach to diabetes including healthy eating and exercise which will assist in managing other complications associated with diabetes,†she said.

Worldwide 347 million people have diabetes according to the World Health Organisation, who say 90 per cent of people have type 2 diabetes.

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