What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood to become too high. This happens when your body does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin it does have. This can lead to serious health concerns if not managed appropriately. *A blog on pre-diabetes will come at a later date

Why is Diabetes Important?

If left undiagnosed or poorly controlled, diabetes increases the risk of:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Kidney disease
• Vision loss
• Nerve damage

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Excessive thirst
• Needing to urinate more often
• Unexplained tiredness
• Blurred vision

Diagnosis is usually made with a simple blood test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past few months.

How Common is Diabetes?

Recent research in Ireland shows the scale of the problem:

• 12% of adults over 50 have a diagnosis of diabetes.
• 67% do not meet recommended targets for blood sugar control.
• Only 36% have made lifestyle changes to help manage their condition.
• Rates of diabetes are rising every year.

These figures highlight the urgent need for awareness, education, and action.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is that diabetes can be managed. With early detection and lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk of complications—and if pre-diabetes is caught in time, taking action may even prevent diabetes from developing at all.

One of the most powerful tools is exercise. Regular physical activity helps to:

• Improve blood sugar control
• Boost energy levels
• Support weight management
• Protect heart health

Unfortunately, many people feel unsure about what type of exercise to do, how much is safe, or how to get started. As a result, they may become inactive and rely solely on medication. While medicines are often necessary, combining them with exercise and lifestyle changes provides far better long-term benefits.

How We Can Help

At Atlas Sports and Exercise Medicine, our team can assess your risk and current health through:

• Comprehensive physical examinations
• Blood testing and urinalysis
• A detailed review of your lifestyle and goals

From there, we create a tailored plan designed to support your long-term health. Exercise is a major cornerstone of diabetes management, and we’ll provide personalised guidance to help you:

• Choose the right type of exercise for your needs
• Build up safely and sustainably
• Stay motivated and consistent over time
• Offer nutritional advice and support

Managing diabetes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, small steps can lead to big improvements in your health.

👉 If you’d like expert support with exercise for diabetes, contact us today to get started.

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