Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Through Exercise
Almost 1.3 million Australians are living with Type 2 Diabetes, and structured exercise is one of the most effective treatments available. That's why Active Answers Health in Seaforth is offering a free Type 2 Diabetes exercise assessment.
Here to help you move better, manage your health, and feel more in control.
Our team have designed this assessment specifically for people living with Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes. We run six evidence-based tests to give you a clear picture of your current health, and walk you through your results so you can take the next steps with confidence.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where your body struggles to manage blood sugar. Insulin stops working effectively, causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream which over time can damage your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It develops gradually and is closely linked to physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress. For many people, lifestyle change alone can significantly reduce blood sugar levels and reduce the need for medication.
How does exercise help?
Exercise improves how your body uses insulin, lowers blood sugar, and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications with no negative side effects.
- Lowers blood sugar: Muscles absorb glucose during exercise without needing insulin. Even a single walk can lower blood sugar levels for up to 48 hours.
- Improves insulin sensitivity: Regular exercise makes your cells more responsive to insulin, reducing the burden on your body to manage blood sugar.
- Reduces HbA1c: Structured exercise programs reduce HbA1c by 0.5–0.7% on average, comparable to some diabetes medications.
- Protects your heart: Exercise reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, directly lowering cardiovascular risk.
- Builds muscle: Muscle are the primary site of glucose uptake in the body. More muscle means better blood sugar control.
- Improves energy and mood: Exercise reduces anxiety and depression, improves sleep, and increases daily energy levels.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-trained allied health professional specialising in the design and delivery of exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, injuries, and disabilities.
Exercise physiologists are recognised by Medicare and registered with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). They work alongside GPs, specialists, and other allied health professionals as part of a coordinated care team.
For people with Type 2 Diabetes, an exercise physiologist assesses your current health, understands how your medications interact with exercise, and designs a program that is safe, evidence-based, and tailored to you.
Meet Hannah - Exercise Physiologist
Hannah has experience working with clients managing Type 2 Diabetes and related metabolic conditions, including gestational diabetes and PCOS - conditions where exercise plays a direct role in blood sugar regulation and long-term health outcomes.
She takes a practical, individualised approach to exercise prescription, building programs around what her clients can realistically sustain and actually enjoy.
Hannah believes that any activity is better than none, and that everyone deserves access to an exercise program that works for their body and their life.
Meet Matt - Exercise Physiologist
With over 10 years of gym-based practice across Sydney, Matt has extensive experience working with clients managing chronic conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, musculoskeletal injuries, and NDIS-related health needs.
Matt takes an evidence-based approach to exercise prescription designing programs that are safe, effective, and built around each client's individual health status, medications, and goals. His background in human movement and functional assessment means he is well placed to identify physical limitations that commonly accompany Type 2 Diabetes, including reduced strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness, and address them systematically.
Free Type 2 Diabetes Assessment
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists have designed this assessment specifically for people living with Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes. We run six evidence-based tests to give you a clear picture of where you're at and explain your results so you can take the next steps with confidence.
Your free assessment includes:
Blood Pressure assessment
Waist circumference measure
Lower and upper body strength test
Balance assessment
Aerobic capacity assessment
Fill in the form below to book in your assessment
Alternatively you can call us
(02) 9907 9667
If you know someone living with Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes who could benefit from this assessment, please share this page with them. The more people we can support, the better.
Diabetes Factsheets:
No referral is needed to book directly with us. However, if your GP provides a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA), you can access Medicare-rebated sessions for ongoing exercise physiology appointments.
Yes, but it needs to be managed carefully. Exercise can lower blood glucose significantly, which interacts with insulin and some medications. Our exercise physiologists understand how your medications affect your response to exercise and will design a program that works safely alongside them. Please inform your exercise physiologist of any medications you are on.
Yes. The initial Type 2 Diabetes exercise assessment is completely free, it is our way of helping you understand where you are at and what exercise can do for your health.
Absolutely. We work with people at all fitness levels, including those who have not exercised in a long time. The assessment is designed to meet you where you are, not where you think you should be.
Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. If you have a recent blood test showing your HbA1c result, bring that along. A list of your current medications is also helpful.
Yes. After completing the six tests, we will sit down with you and go through your results clearly. You will leave understanding what each result means for your health.
For many people with Type 2 Diabetes, particularly those in earlier stages or with prediabetes, structured exercise can produce clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c. Any changes to medication are always made in partnership with your GP.
We are based at 1-3 Burnt St, Seaforth on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Street parking is available nearby.