Every year, National Diabetes Week (12 to 18 July 2026) raises awareness of the growing impact of diabetes across Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), an estimated 1.3 million Australian adults were living with diabetes in 2022–24, while Diabetes Australia reports that around 90% of diagnosed diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes. With diabetes affecting millions of Australians, regular exercise and early intervention have never been more important.
If you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you have probably been told that exercise is important. It is, but there is a big difference between simply moving more and following a structured program designed specifically to improve diabetes management. That is where Exercise Physiology comes in.
Better still, many eligible Australians never learn that Medicare provides rebates for an initial Exercise Physiology assessment plus up to eight group Exercise Physiology sessions each calendar year. At iRehab, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists use these sessions to help people living with type 2 diabetes build confidence, improve blood glucose control and stay active safely.
What Are the 8 Medicare-Funded Group Exercise Physiology Sessions?
This is one of Medicare’s least known diabetes benefits. If your GP prepares a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) and refers you, MBS items 81110 and 81115 cover:
- An initial one-on-one assessment with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
- Up to eight group Exercise Physiology sessions each calendar year
- Small groups of 2 to 12 people, supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
- Evidence-based exercise programs designed specifically for type 2 diabetes
Importantly, these eight group sessions are in addition to the five individual allied health visits available under your plan, and many providers bulk bill them. If you are unsure about eligibility, the iRehab team can work alongside your GP to guide you through the referral process.
What Happens During the Group Sessions?
These are not generic fitness classes. Every session is professionally supervised, and depending on the group’s needs may include:
- Aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness and support healthy blood glucose levels
- Progressive resistance training to build strength and improve insulin sensitivity
- Balance, mobility and flexibility work to reduce falls risk and support joint health
- Education on exercising safely, monitoring blood glucose around exercise, goal setting and progress reviews
Exercises are adjusted to suit each participant’s health, fitness level and diabetes management goals, with encouragement from both your Exercise Physiologist and the group.
Why Exercise Physiology, Not Just Any Exercise?
General advice like “walk more” is a reasonable start, but an Accredited Exercise Physiologist assesses your medical history, current fitness, medications, injuries and any diabetes-related complications before prescribing anything. Research shows structured exercise programs can help:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and lower HbA1c over time
- Improve cardiovascular health and support healthy weight management
- Increase muscle strength, energy and confidence
- Reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications
Rather than a one-size-fits-all plan, iRehab builds personalised diabetes Exercise Physiology programs that support sustainable lifestyle change.
The Three Types of Exercise That Make the Biggest Difference
Not all exercise affects blood glucose the same way. Clinical guidelines recommend combining three approaches:
- Aerobic exercise: brisk walking, swimming, cycling or low-impact classes. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, spread across most days
- Resistance training: resistance bands, free weights, machines or bodyweight exercises, two to three sessions each week, to help muscles use glucose more efficiently
- Combined training: research consistently shows that pairing aerobic and resistance exercise delivers the greatest improvements in HbA1c and overall diabetes management
A balanced week might look like walking most days, two supervised strength sessions, and flexibility or balance work where appropriate.
When Is the Best Time to Exercise?
Consistency matters more than timing, but research suggests exercising 30 to 90 minutes after a meal may help reduce post-meal blood glucose spikes, because working muscles draw glucose from the bloodstream. A 15 to 30 minute brisk walk after lunch or dinner, light resistance band exercises or gentle cycling all count. Your Exercise Physiologist can also help you plan sessions around your medications, meals and blood glucose monitoring.
Exercising Safely with Diabetes Complications
Complications change how you exercise, not whether you should:
- Diabetic neuropathy: reduced sensation in the feet increases injury risk, so lower-impact options such as swimming, cycling, rowing, chair-based exercise and resistance training are often recommended
- Diabetic retinopathy: heavy lifting and activities that sharply raise blood pressure may need to be avoided until your doctor advises otherwise
At iRehab, every program is individualised around your medical history, current abilities and any complications, delivered in clinic or through our aged care Exercise Physiology home visits where needed.
Don’t Wait Until Diabetes Develops
Pre-diabetes means blood glucose levels are higher than normal but below the diagnostic threshold, and without lifestyle change many people go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Structured exercise improves insulin sensitivity, lowers fasting glucose and supports healthy weight, and starting early may delay or even prevent progression.
Take the First Step with iRehab
Managing type 2 diabetes is not about being told to exercise more. It is about having the right guidance and support to exercise safely and confidently. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists create realistic programs that improve blood glucose management, strength, independence and long-term health, whether you are newly diagnosed, many years into your journey or working to prevent diabetes. We also support participants through NDIS Exercise Physiology and offer telehealth Exercise Physiology if getting to a clinic is difficult.
Speak with your GP about whether you are eligible for a referral, then book a diabetes-specific Exercise Physiology consultation with iRehab and take control of your health this National Diabetes Week and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise really help manage type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body use glucose more effectively. Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, it can also improve HbA1c, cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.
Who is eligible for the Medicare-funded group Exercise Physiology sessions?
People with type 2 diabetes who have a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan can be assessed under MBS item 81110 and, if suitable, access up to eight group sessions (item 81115) each calendar year.
Is exercise important if I have pre-diabetes?
Absolutely. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of progressing from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. Starting early leads to better long-term outcomes.
