Tackling diabetes through sport

An innovative programme devised by Dr Alison Kirk and Miss Hazel Ednie at the University's Institute of Sport and Exercise is helping people with Type 2 diabetes in Tayside to improve their fitness levels and gain a better quality of life.

Funded by Diabetes UK, the programme involves a combination of physical activity and education and has been running since March. Alison explains, "The exercise program we use has been developed from the care recommendations provided by Diabetes UK.  The exercise component provides a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise, which is particularly effective for managing type 2 diabetes.

The six week programme also includes an educational element, in which Alison provides information on how exercise can be used to improve the management of type 2 diabetes.  The aim is to equip participants with both the knowledge and the practical experience of exercise that will enable them to continue with the program independently.  The class is proving to be so enjoyable that many participants have continued to attend even after the initial six weeks.

Alison is delighted with the results she has seen in many of those attending the sessions.  She says, "At the start of the six weeks we measure the participants in a number of areas such as blood pressure and weight, and we also assess their general well being and quality of life. We do the same again after the six week programme and it's been amazing to see how all the measurements have been moving in the right direction. Everyone seems to be really enjoying the programme and getting a lot out of it, and some are even coming in to use the facilities independently now which is great."

At the moment all referrals are coming from Ninewells Hospital, but the Tayside Diabetes Network has also become involved and will be encouraging more people to join in with Alison's programme.  With the backing of Diabetes UK, there is also potential for the programme to be rolled out nationally in the future.

Alison adds, "Everyone who participates in the classes is there on a voluntary basis and I would welcome any member of staff or student who suffer from type 2 diabetes to come along and join in."

Contact Alison at a.kirk@dundee.ac.uk, telephone 348853.