Patients work towards a healthier lifestyle

By REBECCA WALSH

There's not a skerrick of lycra to be seen. Some of the class sit in chairs or lean on walking sticks. Some are nearly 80 years old.

This is the Nga Tapuwae Community Centre in Mangere and the participants are working through a low-impact exercise routine designed specifically for people with diabetes, or at risk of developing it.

It is one of many classes running in church halls and community centres around the country to try to curb the growing diabetes problem.

The classes, which have been running for seven years, are free and transport is available. "People want to do exercise but feel they can't be bothered, it's difficult or expensive," says Kate Smallman, nurse co-ordinator, lifestyles, for the Diabetes Project Trust. "By taking some barriers away, people are keen to come."

Nestled in the heart of South Auckland, most of those working out at the centre are of Pacific Island and Maori descent - ethnic groups which are three times more likely than Pakeha to develop diabetes.

They tend to be over 40 and have Type 2 diabetes, which means their body does not make enough insulin or use it in a healthy way. Exercise makes insulin work better and helps lower blood sugar and control weight.

"Even though it's low impact you definitely feel you have done some exercise at the end of it ... " says Smallman. "it may not be doing a star jump but it will be doing half a star jump."

Smallman says education goes hand in hand with exercise. Two support groups operate from the centre, with regular speakers talking about subjects such as healthy eating and financial support.

"They do know they should be doing it and they are very proud of it. They can see themselves improving."

Further reading
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