The community program Diabetes in Motion resumes its activities in Funchal and starts in Machico, Madeira. This initiative, promoted by the Public Health Unit of the Health Service of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (SESARAM), EPERAM, in partnership with the municipal councils of both municipalities, aims to encourage regular physical exercise and the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits among users with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Participation in the program is free, upon referral by doctors and nurses from the Funchal Health Centers Group - Zones I and II (Bom Jesus, Santa Luzia, São Gonçalo, Santo António, São Martinho, and Monte) and the Health Centers Group of the East Zone (Santa Cruz, Caniço, Camacha, Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, and São Jorge).
Diabetes is one of the main health problems in the Region, with over 25,000 people diagnosed in 2025, representing 10.8% of the population. Physical exercise is a fundamental pillar of treatment, contributing to improved metabolic control, reduced cardiovascular risk, and enhanced quality of life.
Nationally, the coordination of this project is the responsibility of the Directorate-General of Health, through the National Program for the Promotion of Physical Activity and the National Program for Diabetes.
