A group of about one hundred people with diabetes, accompanied by health professionals and monitors, has started the Camino de Santiago from Vigo to the Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela.It is a route of more than 100 km that will complete in six days, and that demonstrates once again that diabetes is not a limit, but a challenge that can be faced with preparation, self -care and support.
Dr. Carlos Miranda, a family doctor in Toledo with great experience in Diabetes and Patron of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, summarized it clearly:
"The person with diabetes is absolutely valid for everything, has no limitations, what he needs is training to know what his illness is like and how he can control it."
In addition, he stressed that physical exercise is key to the management of diabetes, and that the Camino de Santiago offers a unique opportunity to learn to combine food, insulin and physical effort.
The project, promoted by the Spanish Diabetes Federation and the Novo Nordisk Health Foundation, is not limited only to the physical challenge.During the route, training talks about nutrition, personal care and other fundamental issues are also organized.As highlighted by the Ferrolano José García, vice president of the Galician Federation of Patient Associations, it is a "playful and didactic" experience at the same time.
Health support is guaranteed: five doctors and two voluntary nurses accompany the group throughout the journey, attentive to any incidence and helping in tasks as practical as feet priests, as necessary in long walks.
In the inauguration, with the presence of local authorities and representatives of the organizing entities, the messages that inspire this project were valued.
Antonio Lavada, president of the Spanish Diabetes Federation, said:
"This project shows that diabetes does not prevent a full life or reaching demanding personal goals. With knowledge, self -care and proper support, it is possible to live with freedom and health."
Silvia Meije, president of Novo Nordisk, stressed that:
"Waying is an experience that transforms: unites knowledge with practice, creates support networks and helps improve the quality of life of people with diabetes in a sustainable and lasting way."
The Camino de Santiago made by these people is a perfect metaphor of what it means living with diabetes: a tour that requires planning, perseverance, knowledge and, above all, company and mutual support.
It reminds us of something fundamental: diabetes does not define us, but it does require us to learn to live with it.Each step counts, either on a Galician path or in our day to day.And the most beautiful thing is that we do not have to do it alone: we have our family, friends, health ... and with communities like this forum, where we share experiences and learning.
👉 What do you think?
Would you like to participate in such an initiative?What role does physical exercise play in your own diabetes management?