Free event motivates people with diabetes to get active

The free public event, called Diabetes and Exercise: Yes, You Can! is being delivered along with the Diabetes Research Unit Cymru on Saturday 23 June.

Advice and encouragement

Experts, healthcare professionals and individuals living with diabetes will share practical advice and empowering stories to encourage people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle and exercise safely.

Exercise has significant benefits to managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It has also been shown to help prevent Type 2 diabetes in as many as three in five cases.

Hear personal stories

Workshops will cover nutrition, diabetes medications and exercise, and dealing with diabetes complications.

You’ll also hear personal perspectives on managing exercise with diabetes from Hugo Thompson, who became the first person with Type 1 diabetes to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, and Jonathan Eaton, who lost nearly four stone after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

191,000 people in Wales have diabetes, and about 90 per cent of these have Type 2, the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK. If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as amputations, blindness, heart attacks and strokes.

"Get out there and enjoy exercise"

Our National Director, Dai Williams, said, “Being fit and healthy is fundamental to living well with diabetes. With the right management and support, there is no reason why anyone with diabetes shouldn’t be able to enjoy a full and active life. This event will help answer the questions that may be stopping people from getting out there and enjoying exercise.

“Whether you're unsure how to manage your insulin while playing your favourite sport, or looking for motivation to get started, this event will provide the information and encouragement you need.”

Richard Bracken, Associate Professor of Sports Science, Swansea University, said, “Diabetes can present unique challenges when it comes to increasing your fitness or achieving a physical goal. This event will provide people with tailored advice and information to help them enjoy exercise safely.

“DRU Cymru is proud to be working with Diabetes UK Cymru once more to encourage people living with diabetes to embrace exercise, and the difference it can make to their lives.”

“Diabetes and Exercise: Yes, You Can!” takes place from 9:00am to 3.00pm in Lecture Theatre 004, Swansea Bay Campus, Swansea University, SA1 8EN. All are welcome to attend, but children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

UPDATE: If you weren't able to join us for this year's conference, or want to revist some of the inspirational talks and presentations, you can now view them online at the following link: www.diabeteswales.org.uk/en/events-archive.htm?id=39