Gestational Diabetes GYM
We can help you if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes in pregnancy, also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We can also help prevent diabetes in pregnancy, so if you are pregnant and had diabetes in a previous pregnancy or you think you might be at risk of diabetes in pregnancy let us know.
We prioritise places in our gym program for women who meet one or more criteria below:
- Your first degree relative has diabetes (mum or dad)
- You are 40 years old +
- You have gained a lot of weight this pregnancy
- You haven’t been exercising this pregnancy
- You are having your 3rd or 4th baby
You can complete this short survey to join our GDM Gym here https://qars.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/Survey?p=DFF18494
We are passionate exercise in pregnancy experts. Our team includes trained physiotherapists, and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.
We work in partnership with diabetes educators, endocrinologists, obstetricians and your local doctor (GP).
Our administration officers can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.
Our gym is a safe and welcoming environment for all people with all levels of fitness. Sessions are supervised by the physiotherapy team to ensure:
- You get the most out of the session
- That exercises can be modified as needed
- Your pregnancy health and fitness improves over time
In GDM gym, blood sugars are monitored before and after exercise. A combination of cardio and strength exercises are performed in each session with modifications as needed.
Exercise training is 30min with a 5-10 minute warm up and cool down at your own pace.
Please bring a drink bottle, towel and glucose monitor, and wear comfortable exercise clothing
When do the classes run?
Physiotherapy-led supervised exercise classes are held on the following days and times.
- Monday 9am, 10am
- Wednesday 9am, 10am
- Thursday 9am, 10am, 2:30pm
How much do these sessions cost?
GDM Gym is covered by Medicare. If you are Medicare ineligible let us know, we might be able to help.
How long are the classes?
You are in and out within the hour!
What do I wear?
Wear clothes you are happy moving and sweating in, and bring your glucose monitor!
What if I have to work?
We can provide attendance certificates for your employer. We also provide individual virtual appointments to support you to manage your glucose control and your exercise routine if you can’t make it to class
We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide. All physiotherapists in our team are committed to achieving the best possible health outcome for you and complete regular supervision with a senior or specialist physiotherapist. You can ask your physiotherapist if your care can be reviewed with a senior or specialist physiotherapist and your physiotherapist might suggest this from time to time.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.