Sweating and strengthening to be at forefront of live online event

A Facebook Live video session taking place next week will explore the benefits of doing regular moderate-intensity exercise for people with type 2 diabetes.

Professor Tom Yates, Lead Physical Activity Researcher at Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), and Doctor Johnathan Goldney, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Diabetes and Endocrinology, will highlight how doing just five minutes per day of physical activity improves metabolic profiles.

Taking place on Monday, June 26, at 4pm, the online event will also outline how resistance exercise improves insulin sensitivity and glucose levels.

Additional information surrounding the benefits of sweating and strengthening will also be provided during the Facebook live.

These findings are part of the LDC’s five S’s concept, which was developed as a key part of the 2022 consensus report from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

In an educational infographic, the LDC team has highlighted five important health behaviours – sitting, stepping, sweating, strengthening and sleep – that people living with diabetes should be aware of to help them better manage their condition.

Professor Yates said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting this ground-breaking Facebook Live for LDC on sweating and strengthening.

“During the session, we will be unveiling the immense benefits of dedicating time to exercising regularly every week, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.”

He added: “This virtual event will empower attendees with invaluable insights into how resistance exercises like tai chi can enhance insulin sensitivity and optimise glucose levels.”

This free-to-attend Facebook event is the fourth session in a series of live videos looking at the five S’s. 

Professor Melanie Davies CBE, Co-Director of LDC, kickstarted the five S’s Facebook live series in February with a general look at the impact of physical behaviours on the health of people living with type 2 diabetes. The previous sessions can be found on the LDC Facebook page to watch back.

She said: “Our mission was to develop an educational infographic that captures the essence of the five S's, arming individuals with the essential knowledge to proficiently navigate their condition.

“Through our dedicated sessions on these fundamental behaviours, our aim is to foster a comprehensive approach to diabetes management.”

She concluded: “Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals, enabling them to make informed choices that profoundly enhance their health and wellbeing.”

LDC is answering the global challenge of type 2 diabetes and long-term conditions through world-leading research, education and innovation.

Based at Leicester General Hospital, the 3,000m2 centre is a unique collaboration between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Founded in 2012, the centre is home to the award-winning DESMOND and EDEN programmes; that ensure the findings of LDC’s innovative research continues to achieve impact beyond the research setting.

For more information, click here.

Lucy Holmes