Group exercise sessions for people with type 2 diabetes in South Western Sydney
21 Aug 2025
Get support to build strength, increase energy and manage blood sugar with a qualified exercise physiologist.
If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, staying active plays a key role in managing your condition. Medicare-funded group exercise classes, led by qualified exercise physiologists, are available through GP referral to help you improve your blood sugar levels, build strength and increase your energy.
This page outlines what you can expect, how to access the sessions, and where to find participating providers.
Key points
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- You may be eligible for up to eight Medicare-funded group sessions per year with a GP referral
- Sessions are run by qualified exercise physiologists
- Exercises are tailored to your needs and fitness level in a small group environment
- Sessions may be free, or a small gap fee may apply
- Check the list to see if there’s a provider near you
About these Medicare-funded sessions
With a referral from your GP, you may be eligible for up to eight Medicare-funded exercise sessions – delivered by accredited exercise physiologists – each calendar year.
Your GP may include exercise sessions as part of your chronic management plan. These exercise classes will be in addition to the five individual allied health visits many people can access – so you can still see a dietitian or diabetes educator if needed.
Why it matters
Diabetes is a silent disease. You may not be aware of the damage and risks which uncontrolled diabetes may have on your health until it is too late.
Some common health issues linked to diabetes are:
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- nerve damage
- problems with feet due to poor circulation
- poor oral health
- vision impairment
- hearing impairment
- poor mental health
Eating well and moving more can help you feel better and stay healthy. Regular exercise can help you:
- improve blood glucose levels
- lower blood pressure
- lower cholesterol
- lose weight
- lower risk of diabetes complications
- gain more energy
- Sleep better
What you can expect from the Medicare-funded group exercise classes:
- eight group sessions, each around one hour
- exercises tailored to your needs and ability
- a relaxed and supportive group environment
- a final progress report sent to your GP
How to get started
- Talk to your GP – Ask about group exercise classes for people with type 2 diabetes at your next appointment.
- GP sets up a chronic condition management plan – Your GP will review your health and set up a ‘GP chronic condition management plan’ or ‘GP management plan’.
- Get a referral – Your GP will refer you to a local exercise physiology practice which offers the session. A list of participating providers is available on our GP guide page.
- Book your first session – Your first appointment will be a one-on-one assessment to check if group fitness classes are right for you.
Local providers
A group fitness provider is available in all local government areas in South Western Sydney. Depending on the provider, sessions may be free, or a small gap fee may apply.
View the full list of local providers here.
For GPs
If you’re a GP looking for referral information, visit Referral guide for GPs: Type 2 diabetes group exercise classes in South Western Sydney for more details.
