A GROWING number of diabetics in the Peel region is what prompted exercise physiologist Clinton Joynes to set up a diabetes management service.
Moving With Diabetes is an eight-week rolling course designed for people with type two diabetes.
Mr Joynes, who has owned the Lakes Road clinic Accelerate Exercise Rehabilitation since 2002, said the course was a reaction to the growing rate of type two diabetes in the Peel region.
“There are a high number of diabetics, there is a high incidence of chronic illness in general, and there’s a big need [for the program],” he said.
“Our participants are generally retired, but they can be adolescents: the prevalence of those with type two diabetes is getting younger.”
According to the Diabetes Research Foundation of Western Australia, as of 2005 there were 700,000 people diagnosed with diabetes nationally, and 83 per cent of those with type two diabetes.
Mr Joynes and fellow exercise physiologist Melissa Brodie run each one-hour session with the aim of educating participants in how to effectively manage type two diabetes.
The multidisciplinary approach teaches nutritional guidelines, including portion sizes, food labelling and weight management.
Mr Joynes said the individualised nature of the program was an important feature.
“There are classes that have a one-size-fits-all policy and I don’t think that’s right,” he said.
“This program works with the individual; we specialise in modifiying people’s behaviour, it’s about motivating people to change their lifestyle.
“It’s been great so far, we’re almost full.”
To be eligible for the Moving With Diabetes program a patient must have type two diabetes and be referred by their GP.
Article by Charli Newton of the Mandurah Mail http://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/1839086/course-to-help-growing-number-of-diabetics/etics/
Speak Your Mind