Mayor Urges Residents to Be Active to Combat Diabetes

The Mayor said diabetes was a serious illness with a number of risk factors.

“Diabetes is on the rise due to the ageing population and increase in weight of Australian adults. Other risk factors include poor diet, inactivity, smoking and too much alcohol,” he said.

“Diabetes and its associated complications include heart, kidney and eyes diseases. Older overweight adults are three times more likely, and obese adults possibly ten times more likely, to develop type 2 diabetes.

“While we cannot change our age or family history, we can improve our health through physical activity and good nutrition. If you walk for at least 30 minutes most days of the week you will improve your health, reduce your weight and feel terrific.”

The Mayor applauded Mt Pleasant man David Skipper, 66, as an example of how to combat the disease.

In the year 2000, Mr Skipper suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Over the last six years he has become a regular user of the Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre, visiting six days a week to swim, use gym equipment and attend fitness classes.

As a result of the increased physical activity, Mr Skipper has seen his blood glucose level drop from 18 to a much healthier 4.2. He has also lost 12 kilos of excess fat and increased his strength and muscle tone.

“David Skipper’s diabetes is now well-controlled by diet and exercise alone and he no longer needs to see his heart specialist,” the Mayor said.

Mr Skipper encouraged those people who were overweight or ageing to prevent and/or treat diabetes by getting involved in some of the many leisure activities in the City.

“I was busy with a career and never went near the gym. Now that I’m retired I regularly exercise and I’ve never felt so good,” Mr Skipper said.

“I suggest that people do their own thing with exercise, set their own pace and take their blinkers off. I set new exercise goals all the time.”

The Mayor added that the City had more than 100 sporting clubs and groups from which residents could choose.

“Clubs and groups cater for both seniors and juniors all year round. Games and training sessions are all outdoors and are played on the City of Melville Reserves,” he said.

At the Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre, the Forever Fit strength and aqua program is a set of purpose designed, low impact exercise classes for the mature exerciser. It includes gym circuits, group fitness and aqua classes.

The Living Longer Living Stronger program is an over 50's program that encourages and supports mature people to achieve improved health and quality of life and is held at the Melville Recreation Centre.

“If you’re an animal lover, getting a dog can be a good incentive for walking in the many exercise areas throughout the City,” the Mayor added.

“Remember, although there is a strong genetic predisposition to diabetes, the risk is greatly increased when associated with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, insufficient physical activity and poor diet.”

Further information on diabetes at www.diabeteswa.com.au

Further information on the City of Melville’s lifestyle services at www.melvillecity.com.au/facilities/recreation-centres