On 25 July 2024, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organised the online webinar “The Power of Movement to Tackle Diabetes”, bringing together diabetes advocates, athletes, and experts from around the world to discuss the importance of physical activity in diabetes management.

As part of the webinar panel, Jelisaveta Fotić, who has been actively involved in both the previous Sports & Diabetesinitiative and the current DiaPS – Diabetes and Sport Peer Support project, participated as a speaker following a proposal from the DiaPS project team.

Highlighting the importance of sport and movement

The webinar focused on the role of physical activity in improving diabetes management, mental well-being, and quality of life. Panellists shared personal experiences, community initiatives, and perspectives on how to make sport and movement more accessible and inclusive for people living with diabetes.

Jelisaveta contributed to the discussion by sharing insights connected to living an active lifestyle with diabetes and highlighting the importance of community support, education, and peer connection — key principles that are also at the core of the DiaPS project.

Connecting DiaPS with the global diabetes community

Participation in the IDF webinar represented another valuable opportunity to increase the visibility of the DiaPS project within the international diabetes community and connect with initiatives promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

The discussion also reinforced the importance of combining practical experience with accessible support systems, helping people with diabetes feel safer and more confident in sport and physical activity.

A global conversation beyond the conference setting

The webinar was organised by IDF on the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and included speakers from different countries and diabetes initiatives worldwide. The event was streamed online, allowing members of the global diabetes community to follow the discussion and engage in real time.

The DiaPS project continues to promote the importance of peer support, inclusion, and movement as key elements in empowering people living with diabetes to stay active in sport and everyday life.