Type 2 diabetes rehabilitation: an exercise and education programme

Authors: Whittle, S., Bailey, O., Partridge, H., James, J.

Journal: Journal of Diabetes Nursing

Publication Date: 01/01/2026

Volume: 30

Issue: 3

ISSN: 1368-1109

Abstract:

Structured education is central to supporting type 2 diabetes self-management, but sustaining lifestyle change is challenging. Refocusise integrates an established diabetes self-management education curriculum with supervised exercise in an 8-week programme delivered in routine care. Across 12 courses (n=149; mean age 64 years), participants completed pre- and post-programme assessments (including HbA1c, blood pressure, BMI, lipids and HADS). Post-programme outcomes showed reductions in HbA1c (−9 mmol/mol), total cholesterol (−0.3 mmol/L), systolic/diastolic BP (−4.2/−3.8 mmHg), BMI (−0.6 kg/m2) and HADS‑D (−1.6). Improvements in HbA1c were maintained at 1 year (n=73; −11 mmol/mol vs baseline) and 2 years (n=27). This service evaluation suggests that combining structured exercise with diabetes education can deliver meaningful and sustained improvements, supporting wider implementation within routine diabetes care.

Source: Scopus