For veterans living with diabetes, maintaining blood sugar levels is essential for overall health and long-term wellbeing. While medication and diet play critical roles, exercise is equally important. But for many, especially those with mobility issues or living in rural areas, accessing in-person care isn’t always practical. That’s where DVA telehealth programs for diabetes step in—bringing expert care and personalised support right to your home.
Understanding Diabetes and the Role of Exercise
Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). When blood sugar levels are too high for too long, it increases the risk of complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues. Regular exercise is known to lower blood glucose levels by helping your muscles use insulin more effectively and by promoting overall metabolic health.
This is where Exercise Physiologists (EPs) make a real difference. These allied health professionals are trained to create personalised exercise programs that improve blood sugar control and manage chronic conditions like diabetes safely. And now, thanks to DVA’s support for telehealth, veterans can access these services without ever needing to leave their homes.
What is DVA Telehealth?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds healthcare services for eligible veterans across Australia, including Exercise Physiology. With advancements in digital health, DVA now supports telehealth delivery, making it possible for veterans to receive care via secure video consultations.
Telehealth sessions are conducted with Accredited Exercise Physiologists who assess your needs, guide you through exercises, and track your progress—all online. This model allows for continuous, personalised support that fits into your lifestyle and addresses your unique health goals.
Benefits of DVA-Funded Telehealth for Diabetes
Convenience Without Compromise
With telehealth, veterans no longer have to worry about transport, weather conditions, or clinic wait times. Sessions can be scheduled around your day, eliminating many of the common barriers to healthcare access. This flexibility is especially important in diabetes management Australia, where rural populations often face limited access to specialist services.
Tailored Exercise Plans
Your Exercise Physiologist will create a program based on your current health, diabetic physiology, physical abilities, and any other conditions you may have. Whether your goal is to improve balance, increase strength, lose weight, or reduce blood sugar, your plan will be tailored specifically for you.
Blood Sugar Management
Regular physical activity helps your body regulate glucose more efficiently. Your EP will help monitor your response to exercise and suggest ways to balance blood sugar levels through safe and sustainable activity. This is especially important in preventing dangerous highs and lows.
Education and Self-Management
One major advantage of telehealth programs is the opportunity to learn. Veterans receive education about how to self-monitor, how different exercises affect blood sugar, and how to adjust routines based on daily needs. This empowers you to manage diabetes independently and confidently.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Exercise doesn’t just help physically—it improves mood, reduces stress, and boosts overall wellbeing. These benefits are particularly important for veterans managing long-term conditions like diabetes, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
What’s Covered Under DVA?
If you hold a DVA Gold Card (for all conditions) or a White Card (with diabetes accepted as a compensable condition), you may be eligible for fully funded Exercise Physiology services via telehealth. These services include:
- Initial assessment and goal setting
- Individualised exercise program for diabetes
- 1-on-1 telehealth sessions with an Exercise Physiologist
- Ongoing support, monitoring, and adjustments to your program
- Education on safe exercise and chronic disease management
All services are bulk billed to DVA, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for eligible veterans.
How to Access DVA Telehealth Services
Here’s how you can get started with a DVA-funded telehealth program:
- See Your GP or Specialist
Discuss your diabetes management and ask if Exercise Physiology is clinically appropriate. - Get a DVA Referral
Your GP will complete a D904 referral form or a letter outlining your needs. This referral is usually valid for up to 12 sessions. - Choose a Telehealth Provider
Select a provider (such as Metabolic Telehealth) that offers Telehealth for diabetic veterans services online. - Start Your Sessions
Attend your appointments via secure video call. Your EP will guide you through your personalised exercise plan and adjust it as needed based on your progress. - Continue and Review
After your initial sessions, if additional support is needed, your provider can work with your GP to extend the referral.
Real Support for Real Results
Many veterans report significant improvements in strength, mobility, and glucose control after starting their telehealth exercise programs. With no travel required and no out-of-pocket costs, DVA-funded care makes it easier than ever to manage diabetes and stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean facing it alone. With DVA telehealth support, veterans can access expert Exercise Physiology services designed to improve blood sugar control, physical function, and overall well being—all from home. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, this virtual option puts high-quality care within reach.
Ready to get started? Speak to your GP today about a DVA referral and see how an online exercise program can help you take control of your diabetes—safely, effectively, and conveniently.