Regular exercise is a key component of diabetes self-management and can help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. It also improves quality of life and overall well-being. Nonetheless, global estimates show that one in five adolescents and one in four adults are physically inactive. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that if these trends persist, 500 million new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will occur by 2030.
We can change these trends using a multidisciplinary approach that emphasises the benefits of physical activity on physical and mental well-being.
On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) hosted an online event to highlight the benefits of physical activity for people with diabetes and communities as a whole. A panel of diabetes advocates also looked at the external factors that can influence the inclusion of people with diabetes in physical activity and shared successful initiatives.
This event is an activity of the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme, initiated by IDF, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and Sanofi in 2013. Our actions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably 3.4 to “reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention, treatment and promotion of mental health and well-being.”
Panellists included:
- Gavin Griffiths, Young Leaders in Diabetes alumni and founder of DiAthlete (UK)
- Edgar Garcia, Blue Circle Voices member (Mexico)
- Jelisaveta Fotic, Young Leaders in Diabetes mentor (Serbia)
- Jyotsana Rangeen, Young Leaders in Diabetes mentor and South East Asia representative (India)
- Rob Howe, Founder of Diabetics Doing Things (USA)
Watch the recording below:
