Exercise for diabetes: beneficial effect of new educational and physical activity programs

Background Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, which lead over time to serious organ damages. Establishing regular physical activity routines is important to help prevent type 2 diabetes and/or delay the onset of complications. Exercise also induces beneficial changes in the pattern of cytokine production and release, which may be helpful in antioxidant defense of the failing beta cells in type 1 diabetes. Objectives This project aims at uncovering the BEneficial effect of NEW educational and physical activity programs. The acronym BE-NEW indicates the need of pursuing a novel style of life incorporating the practice of physical exercise into the daily routine. The BE-NEW general objective is the improvement of the physiological condition of people suffering from diabetes through the constant practice of sport activity. Implementation The activities implemented during the 3 years of the project were:- Sport activities and research on 233 adults with diabetes. - Multiplier sports events attended by 455 people in the 5 countries.- Teacher and coaches training on 377 people. - Five transnational project meeting. - BE-NEW university course attended by 43 students. - Educational activities on 371 students. Achievements BE-NEW raised awareness among diabetic subjects that consistent physical exercise can significantly improve their health. BE-NEW enhanced and improved attitudes, knowledge, and skills of sports operators in order to better promote the active participation of diabetic people in physical activity. BE-NEW allowed physical education teachers and university students on gaining knowledge on diabetes and on methodologies useful in co-education and coaching in real settings.