Diabetes

Lifestyle Interventions: Diet, Exercise & Behavioral Therapy

Lifestyle Interventions: Diet, Exercise & Behavioral Therapy will explore the foundational role of non-pharmacological strategies in the prevention and management of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. While advancements in medications and technologies continue to evolve, lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of effective diabetes care. Physical activity is equally critical in improving insulin sensitivity, promoting weight management, and enhancing cardiovascular health. The session will explore various forms of exercise including aerobic activity, resistance training, flexibility, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how each contributes uniquely to diabetes outcomes. Participants will learn how to prescribe appropriate and safe exercise routines for individuals at different fitness levels, ages, and comorbidity profiles. Emphasis will be placed on overcoming barriers to physical activity, such as motivational issues, physical limitations, and lack of access to resources. Emerging research on wearable fitness trackers and mobile apps that monitor and encourage physical activity will also be reviewed. In addition to diet and exercise, behavioral therapy plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining lifestyle changes.The role of emotional well-being, stress management, and sleep hygiene will also be examined, recognizing their strong associations with glycemic control and overall health outcomes. The integration of digital health tools such as telecoaching, mobile health platforms, and virtual support groups will be discussed as innovative methods to support behavior change and improve adherence.