By Erin Phelan
Fitness Industry Council of Canada
Diabetes remains a major public health issue in Canada, with over 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes. As this number continues to rise, it’s essential to focus on prevention and management strategies. One of the most effective tools at our disposal is exercise. As we observe Diabetes Awareness Month this November, it’s a powerful opportunity to consider how the fitness industry can contribute to preventing diabetes, supporting Canadians living with diabetes, and potentially reducing the overall burden on our healthcare system through the power of exercise.
Diabetes Statistics: A Growing Concern
In Canada, one in ten people are living with diabetes, and, according to Diabetes Canada, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes. Individuals living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression. Type 1 diabetes affects about 10 percent of the population, while the remaining 90 percent are living with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, millions of Canadians have prediabetes, where elevated blood sugar levels could lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes if not managed effectively.
The Canadian government recently passed Bill C-64, or the Pharmacare Act, which works toward providing universal coverage for specific prescription drugs, including those for diabetes treatment. While this is a step forward, it is crucial to continue focusing on lifestyle changes—particularly exercise and diet— as preventative measures to improve the long-term health of Canadians.
Let’s explore the research and look at creating a playbook to support fitness facilities.
Exercise in Diabetes Prevention
Type 2 diabetes often arises due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including obesity and physical inactivity. Research consistently highlights the significant role exercise plays in reducing the risk of T2D by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating blood glucose levels, and decreasing body fat. According to a 2023 study published in Diabetes Care, engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 58% in high-risk populations.
Putting It Into Practice: Fitness centers can create structured programs tailored to individuals at higher risk of developing T2D, such as Indigenous communities, seniors, and those living in underserved areas. It’s essential for trainers to be educated on diabetes prevention and for facilities to offer welcoming spaces for people of all body types.
Exercise and Diabetes Management
For those living with diabetes, exercise is a critical component of effective management. The Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines indicate that regular physical activity improves blood glucose control, aids in weight management, and reduces the reliance on medication over time. Aerobic activities like walking, cycling, and swimming, combined with strength training, can significantly improve glycemic control, especially when performed for at least 150 minutes each week. Resistance training in particular enhances muscle glucose uptake, which is essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Putting It Into Practice: Fitness professionals can develop targeted programs for individuals with diabetes, focusing on both aerobic and resistance exercises. By customizing routines to meet the physical needs and preferences of clients, gyms and personal trainers can help individuals create sustainable, safe exercise habits for managing their diabetes.
Exercise, GLP-1 Drugs, and Muscle Loss
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have become widely discussed in the context of diabetes and weight loss, with nearly 10% of the North American population having used a GLP-1 drug at some point. While these drugs help regulate blood sugar and appetite, one potential side effect that is often overlooked is muscle loss. Studies have shown that rapid weight loss, often associated with GLP-1 drugs, can lead to a reduction in lean muscle mass, which can have significant long-term health impacts.
Putting It Into Practice: Understanding the importance of maintaining muscle mass is critical, as lean muscle is a better predictor of overall health than the number on the scale. Fitness professionals should educate clients taking GLP-1 drugs about the need for exercise to preserve muscle mass. Strength training and monitoring of body composition should be emphasized as part of their diabetes management program to support healthy muscle function.
Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity is a key factor in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes. When insulin sensitivity is high, cells respond effectively to insulin, allowing for better glucose uptake and stable blood sugar levels. A 2023 study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology showed that even moderate exercise significantly improves insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. This highlights the importance of consistent physical activity for improving insulin function.
Putting It Into Practice: Fitness professionals should understand these biological mechanisms to enhance the credibility of exercise programs designed to manage diabetes. Group classes, personal training sessions, and diabetes prevention programs should incorporate education about how exercise positively impacts insulin sensitivity and overall health.
The Power of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an increasingly popular and effective exercise format for both diabetes prevention and management. A 2024 study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that HIIT significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced HbA1c levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. HIIT offers a time-efficient alternative to traditional exercise regimens, making it an attractive option for clients with busy schedules or those who find long-duration workouts challenging.
Putting It Into Practice: HIIT can be made accessible for all fitness levels, including those with diabetes. Fitness facilities can create educational campaigns around HIIT, offering clients the opportunity to experience shorter, intense bursts of exercise with active recovery. Integrating HIIT into diabetes-focused programs could help fitness centers attract clients seeking effective and time-saving health solutions.
Action Plan for Fitness Facilities
With over 10% of your members potentially living with diabetes, it is crucial that staff are well-trained in both diabetes prevention and management. Specialized training should focus on understanding the physiological effects of exercise on glucose metabolism, recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia during workouts, and knowing how to modify exercise routines for individuals with diabetes.
The fitness industry can also leverage technology to support clients. Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), allow individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels in real-time and adjust exercise intensity accordingly. By integrating these technologies into fitness programs, clients can personalize their workouts and better understand how exercise affects their blood glucose levels.
The Canadian fitness industry has a vital role to play in combating the diabetes epidemic. By offering evidence-based programs, establishing strategic community partnerships, and utilizing innovative exercise modalities, fitness centers across the country can position themselves as leaders in diabetes prevention and management. Through exercise, we have the power to help millions of Canadians live healthier lives and take meaningful steps to reduce the incidence of diabetes.
Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) is the not-for profit trade association that represents the voice of fitness facility operators across Canada. Representing more than 6,000 facilities with more than six-million members nationwide, FIC pursues a legislative agenda in the hope of bettering the fitness industry for both consumers and operators. FIC aims to work with both industry and government to improve the health and physical activity levels of Canadians.
