Date: September 1, 14:00-15:30 (CEST)

This webinar organised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) provided the opportunity to learn about the importance of physical activity to manage and prevent diabetes.

Regular physical activity can help prevent type 2 diabetes. It is also a key component in the management of all types of diabetes and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. Physical activity is crucial during childhood and adolescence to fight sedentary habits from an early age.

The WHO Action Plan on Obesity 2018-2030 aims to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025 and by 15% by 2030. In addition, the WHO Global Diabetes Compact proposes interventions on obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity to prevent type 2 diabetes. These targets can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach that promotes the benefits of physical activity among the population and guarantees access to exercise, notably for children and adolescents. However, sedentarism levels grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, with school and work settings closed, social life disrupted and increased screen time.

This online event was developed as part of the IDF Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme, which aims to bring diabetes education to schools and promote healthy lifestyles to tackle the preventable risk factors of type 2 diabetes. This event was the first of a series of IDF activities on the topic of physical activity in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The webinar was moderated by Mr Bruno Helman, IDF KiDS Programme Coordinator and Young Leader in Diabetes (Brazil). 

Panellists included:

• Ms Marie Barsacq, Impact and Legacy Director, Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (France)
• Dr Fiona Bull, Head of Unit, Physical Activity, Dept of Health Promotion, WHO (UK)
• Dr Denise Franco, Brazilian Diabetes Society secretary and director of the Institute Running for Diabetes (Brazil)
• Ms Nupur Lalvani, IDF Blue Circle Voice and president of the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation (India)
• Mr Felipe del Mestre, professional athlete living with diabetes (Argentina)

Download the webinar agenda with the speaker biographies and the slides

Access the recording below:

If you have any questions about this webinar, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KiDS is an educational programme supported by Sanofi