Bond University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine is calling for volunteers to participate in a cutting edge research project that could revolutionise the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Dr Neil Smart is researching the role of exercise as a means of managing and potentially beating the disease that affects approximately 8% of all Australians.
Dr Smart is looking for volunteers who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and who are willing to commit to a six-month program of prescribed exercise.
Early results have been encouraging, as evidenced by the improved health outcomes for Maree Crepinsek, a registered nurse and Masters of Science student who has already completed Dr Smart’s six-month exercise regime.
“I was diagnosed with diabetes approximately ten years ago following a period of extensive illness, so this project gave me the opportunity to assess my fitness and overall health status,” said Maree.
“Following the program prescribed by Dr Smart, I started walking every day. At first I was exhausted after a couple of hundred metres but I can now walk 5-6 kilometres with ease.”
Since starting the project, Maree has lost over 15kg whilst also improving the management of her diabetes through her exercise plan and changed eating habits.
“My blood sugar levels were frequently high and my Hba1C was over 13,” she said.
“Now I am within normal limits for diabetes and my last Hba1C was 7.1.”
After completing the six-month follow up assessment, Dr Smart advised Maree that she had improved her exercise performance and health by an astounding 26%.
“When you have a problem like diabetes it is very easy for life to get out of hand and challenging,” said Maree.
“This project gave me the opportunity to assess my health status so that I could make both the choices and changes necessary to turn my health around.”
Prior to commencing in the study, all participants will be required to obtain permission from their general practitioner and complete several tests to establish their current level of health and fitness.Â