Former insulin-dependant diabetic improves health after joining Blacktown’s Definition Health Club program

DIABETIC Priscilla Baltazar has lost 17kg in a year and no longer has to take insulin thanks to a management program — and she has never felt better.

Priscilla Baltazar has learned to manage her Type 2 diabetes through healthy habits.

• Not too late to get the flu shot
• Poor diabetes management leads to amputations
• Young and addicted to soft drinks

DIABETIC Priscilla Baltazar has lost 17kg in a year and no longer has to take insulin thanks to a management program — and she has never felt better.

Definition Health Club in Blacktown is fighting the battle to reduce the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the state’s top danger zone by running a Medicare-funded program, Diabetes Care Blacktown.

“The program has changed my life,” Mrs Baltazar, 65, said.

“I used to be a diabetic patient. I was diagnosed in 2006 and there were days when I was so depressed and sad that my health was not good.

“My body was straining and it was affecting a lot of my organs.

“I used to take 34 units of insulin a day. Now I just take some tablets to manage my diabetes and I am looking much healthier.”

Priscilla Baltazar embraces healthy habits.

Gone are the days when Mrs Baltazar could barely get out of bed.

Now she is active and looks forward to her daily exercise sessions.

“I work with children with special needs,’’ she said.

“Before I couldn’t get out of bed because my foot and back were aching.

“But now I can really run after the kids and I look forward to helping the children and parents.”

Definition Health Club founder and exercise physiologist Andrew Zorzit said the Diabetes Care Blacktown program, which the health club initially rolled out in 2012, was in high demand and had improved participants’ wellbeing.

“An outcome we’re really proud of is that at least 12 participants who have completed the program now no longer require the use of insulin, and many more have reduced or no longer require oral medication,” Mr Zorzit said.

“The program involves diabetes and nutrition education, a personalised exercise routine and monitoring support.’’

Definition also provides a free one-month gym membership to all participants so they can exercise in a safe environment and have access to various classes in between the weekly sessions.

Mrs Baltazar encourages others to get healthy.

“It is really amazing when you see yourself looking healthy and achieving goals,” she said.

“Group exercise is fun and it is great to meet new people. It boosts your self-esteem and when you exercise you feel you have accomplished something.”