MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 12 February 2010
Inaugural camp for adults with type 1 diabetes this weekend
Fifty Victorians with type 1 diabetes are attending AcT1vate; a three-day exercise-focused
camp at Melbourne University this weekend. To assist with diabetes management and
reduce the risk of life threatening complications in the future.
AcT1vate is the first camp of its kind to be held in Victoria and is coordinated by Diabetes
Australia – Vic and HypoActive; a support group for people with type 1 diabetes.
Many participants do not include physical activity as part of their diabetes management and
are reluctant to exercise due to the risk of hypoglycaemia (a hypo) or low blood sugar.
AcT1vate will offer information and education about type 1 diabetes, help attendants develop
strategies to be more physically active and offer practical tips on how to minimise the risk of a
hypo while exercising.
DA–Vic’s Director of Programs and Services, Dr Ralph Audehm, says effective type 1
diabetes management involves a fine balance of diet, physical activity and insulin (via
injection or pump). “It is a balancing act that can be very difficult to get right,” he says.
“Exercise increases the risk of a person with type 1 (diabetes) developing hypoglycaemia and
so some people avoid exercise altogether. However regular exercise is important for blood
glucose management,” he says.
HypoActive president and ex-professional cyclist, Monique Hanley, has had type 1 diabetes
for 12 years. She agrees that the fear of ‘going low’ stops a lot of people with type 1 diabetes
from being active.
“That’s why this weekend is a terrific step forward in assisting people to overcome these
fears and start including exercise in their diabetes management plan.”
The camp caters to all ages and fitness levels with attendees ranging from 20 to 70 years.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and cannot be prevented. It can be diagnosed at
any age. People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin daily using a syringe or an insulin
pump. There are currently 40,000 Victorians living with type 1 diabetes. ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
DA–Vic Type 1 Diabetes Manager Renza Scibilia, Ph: 0423 666 544 rscibilia@diabetesvic.org.au
NEWS 
