(Type 2 diabetes)
Personal training for type 2 diabetes
Exercise support from a trainer with a Level 4 qualification in diabetes and obesity, working alongside your GP and diabetes team. Private 1-to-1 sessions in Milton Keynes, planned around your health and your week.
(Why it helps)
Activity is part of managing type 2 diabetes
NHS diabetes teams list regular activity as one of the things that helps improve blood glucose levels, along with weight control, heart health and blood pressure. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise adults to do strength activities on at least two days a week and build up to 150 minutes of moderate activity across the week.
Strength training earns its place because muscle is one of the main places your body stores glucose after a meal. Building it, and keeping it as you get older, is one of the most useful things you can do.
What I don't do is diagnose, prescribe or change medication. That stays with your GP and diabetes team. My job is the training, the habits and the support between appointments.
(Keeping you safe)
Safety built into every session
Health questions first
At your free consultation we go through your health, your medication and any complications, so the plan fits you from day one.
Hypo awareness
Some medicines, such as insulin and gliclazide, make a hypo more likely during exercise. If that's you, we follow your diabetes team's advice and keep hypo treatment to hand.
Start low, build slowly
We begin below what you think you can do and build up gradually, checking how you feel and, if you test, what your readings do.
Feet and joints
Good footwear and a quick check of your feet are part of the routine, along with exercise choices that suit your joints.
(What we work on)
Strength, walking and food
Most plans start with two strength sessions a week with me, plus walking you can fit into your day. As you get fitter we add more.
Food follows the advice from your diabetes team. I help with the practical side: planning meals for a busy week, getting protein in at each meal and eating well when you're out.
I hold a Level 4 Personal Trainer qualification in diabetes and obesity and a Level 3 in exercise referral for people with existing conditions. Both are rare among trainers in Milton Keynes.
See my qualifications
(Next step)
Talk it through first
Book a free consultation and tell me where you are. If your GP has suggested more activity, bring their advice with you. If anything in your health needs checking before we start, I'll tell you.
(Questions people ask)
Common questions
Starting something new always comes with questions. If yours isn't here, call or WhatsApp Glenn on 07770 613423.
Do I need to check with my GP first?
Yes, speak to your GP or diabetes team before starting a new exercise programme, especially if you take insulin or tablets such as gliclazide, or have problems with your heart, eyes or feet. Most people are encouraged to be more active, and I'll ask about this at your consultation.
Can exercise reverse type 2 diabetes?
I don't make that claim. Some people improve their blood glucose a lot through activity, better eating and weight loss, and some reduce their medication with their doctor's agreement. Any change to medication is your doctor's decision.
What if I've been told I'm at risk of type 2 diabetes?
The same approach helps: more activity, strength training and working towards a healthier weight. Ask your GP about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme as well.
I've never been to a gym. Is that a problem?
Not at all. The gym is private, so it's only ever you and me. We start below what you can do and build up slowly.
Is nutrition included?
Yes, on every plan. Food follows your diabetes team's advice, and I help with the practical side: planning meals, protein at each meal and eating well around a busy job.
(No pressure, no sales pitch)
Book your free consultation
A relaxed 20 minute chat about where you are now, what you want to change and whether we're a good fit. If we're not, I'll tell you.
