Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Program Brisbane

By James Chen, 

Medicare Bulk Billed — No Out-of-Pocket Cost for Eligible Patients*

Living with Type 2 diabetes does not mean you have to manage your health alone.

At Institute of Sports and Spines in Tingalpa, our Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Program helps eligible people use safe, supervised exercise to improve their health, fitness and confidence.

The program is supervised by James Chen, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and eligible Medicare services are bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost.*

You do not need to be fit or experienced with exercise to get started. Exercises can be adapted to your current fitness, strength, mobility, medical conditions and individual goals.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way the body regulates blood glucose, or blood sugar.

Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it can be used for energy. In people with Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less responsive to insulin and may eventually have difficulty producing enough insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

Over time, poorly controlled blood glucose can increase the risk of health problems affecting the:

• Heart and blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Nerves
• Eyes
• Feet and circulation
• Strength, fitness and physical function

Alongside appropriate medical care, nutrition and medication where required, regular physical activity and exercise are important components of Type 2 diabetes management.

How Can Exercise Help Type 2 Diabetes?

Exercise makes the muscles work harder and increases their demand for energy. Regular physical activity can also improve the body’s response to insulin.

For people living with Type 2 diabetes, an appropriate exercise program may help:

• Improve blood glucose management
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Build muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Improve balance and mobility
• Maintain physical function and independence
• Manage cardiovascular risk factors
• Increase confidence with physical activity
• Develop sustainable exercise habits

However, the right type and amount of exercise varies from person to person.

Factors such as your medications, blood glucose management, cardiovascular health, previous injuries, joint problems, balance and current fitness should all be considered when developing an exercise program.

This is where an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help.

What Is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional with university-level training in exercise prescription for people with chronic health conditions, injuries and other health concerns.

At Institute of Sports and Spines, James Chen, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, works with people living with Type 2 diabetes to develop exercise strategies based on their individual health, physical ability and goals.

Rather than simply giving everyone the same workout, James assesses each participant before they enter the group program.

This allows exercise to be adjusted according to factors such as:

• Current fitness
• Strength
• Balance
• Mobility
• Previous injuries
• Joint or muscular pain
• Other health conditions
• Exercise experience
• Personal goals

Medicare Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Program

Eligible people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may be referred by their GP for Medicare-supported group allied health services.

Under the current Medicare arrangements, eligible patients may access:

One Individual Exercise Physiology Assessment

You will first attend an individual assessment with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

The assessment is designed to determine whether group exercise is appropriate for you and to help establish a suitable exercise approach.

Up to Eight Group Allied Health Sessions Per Calendar Year

Eligible patients with Type 2 diabetes can access up to eight Medicare group allied health services per calendar year.

These services may include exercise physiology, diabetes education and dietetics depending on your referral and the services you use during the calendar year.

At Institute of Sports and Spines, eligible Medicare Exercise Physiology services for the Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Program are bulk billed.*

What Happens at Your Initial Exercise Physiology Assessment?

Before joining the group exercise program, you will attend an individual consultation with James.

During your assessment, James may:

• Discuss your medical history and diabetes management
• Review relevant medications
• Discuss your current physical activity and exercise experience
• Talk about your personal health and exercise goals
• Check relevant measures such as blood pressure and heart rate
• Assess strength, balance and mobility
• Assess cardiovascular fitness where appropriate
• Identify injuries, pain or physical limitations that may affect exercise
• Assess your suitability and safety for group exercise
• Develop an individualised approach to exercise
• Explain how exercise can support the management of Type 2 diabetes

The assessment helps determine which exercises are appropriate for you and where you should start.

Small Group Exercise — Maximum 10 Participants

Our Type 2 Diabetes exercise classes in Tingalpa are personally supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Although Medicare allows larger groups, Institute of Sports and Spines limits each class to a maximum of 10 participants.

Keeping the groups small allows us to provide closer supervision and adapt exercises when required.

Exercise may be modified according to your:

• Fitness level
• Strength
• Balance
• Mobility
• Medical conditions
• Injuries
• Pain
• Physical limitations

You will not be expected to keep up with the person next to you.

The aim is to help you exercise safely at a level that is appropriate for you.

Do I Need to Be Fit to Join?

No.

You do not need to be fit, athletic or experienced with gym-based exercise to participate. The program is designed for people with different levels of fitness and exercise experience. Some participants may be returning to exercise after many years. Others may have arthritis, back or joint problems, reduced mobility, balance concerns or other chronic health conditions. Your initial assessment helps James determine an appropriate starting point. Book your initial appointment now! 

Who May Be Eligible for the Medicare Type 2 Diabetes Program?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
• Are being managed under an eligible GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
• Have been referred for the relevant Type 2 diabetes group allied health services
• Have been assessed as suitable for group services

Your GP can determine whether you meet the Medicare eligibility requirements.

How Do I Get Started?

If you have Type 2 diabetes and would like support becoming more active, speak with your GP about whether the Medicare Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Physiology Program is appropriate for you.

Once you have an appropriate referral, contact Institute of Sports and Spines in Tingalpa to arrange your initial Exercise Physiology assessment, Or click here to book your appointment now!

Ask your GP whether you are eligible for the Medicare Type 2 Diabetes group allied health program, or contact our team to find out more about the program.

*Bulk billing applies to eligible Medicare services provided under the relevant Medicare Type 2 diabetes group allied health arrangements. Medicare eligibility requirements apply.