DWELL: A Holistic Approach to Improving Life with Type 2 Diabetes
- Kinetic Analysis
- Aug 10, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Managing type 2 diabetes is more than taking medication or attending routine check‑ups. It requires understanding how daily habits—sleep, activity, stress, and nutrition—shape long‑term health. DWELL is a cross‑border programme designed to empower people with type 2 diabetes through lifestyle insights, personal support, and sustainable behaviour change.
What Is DWELL?
DWELL stands for ‘Diabetes & WELLbeing.’ It is a collaborative project involving partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and France. The programme focuses on giving people with type 2 diabetes the tools they need to take control of their own health.
Rather than focusing only on medical treatment, DWELL emphasises lifestyle, wellbeing, physical activity, and daily routines. Participants receive support in understanding their patterns, building healthier habits, and making sustainable changes that can significantly improve long‑term outcomes.
Why Traditional Diabetes Management Falls Short
Most people with type 2 diabetes receive medical advice, medication, and periodic check‑ups. While important, this approach often overlooks the underlying lifestyle factors that directly influence blood sugar control.
Without ongoing support, frequent feedback, or awareness of personal habits, many individuals struggle to maintain change. Stress, poor sleep, lack of physical activity, or inconsistent routines can gradually worsen the condition. DWELL addresses these gaps by creating a support system that goes beyond clinical care.
From Data to Daily Life: How DWELL Helps
DWELL uses practical tools—such as activity monitoring, sleep tracking, and personal coaching—to help participants understand their own lifestyle patterns. Instead of generic recommendations, people receive insights tailored to their behaviour, needs, and challenges.
This awareness helps participants identify what energizes them, what drains them, and how small shifts in habits can lead to measurable improvements. DWELL supports long‑term motivation by focusing on achievable goals, positive change, and continuous guidance.
A Cross‑Border Collaboration
One of the strengths of DWELL is its international structure. Organisations across Europe work together to combine knowledge, cultural perspectives, and healthcare practices. In the Netherlands, the programme is led by Kinetic Analysis and rolled out together with Amphia Hospital and other care providers.
This collaboration allows DWELL to benefit from broader expertise, reach more people, and create solutions that work in different healthcare systems.
A New Approach to Chronic Disease
DWELL shifts the focus from managing symptoms to improving overall well-being. The programme encourages prevention, early intervention, and sustainable lifestyle change. By helping people understand how their choices affect their condition, it supports them in taking ownership of their health.
This holistic approach combines physical, mental, and behavioural elements—creating a foundation for long‑term success that traditional medical care alone cannot provide.
The Future of Diabetes Care
DWELL demonstrates that effective diabetes care requires more than medication. It requires understanding the person behind the condition—their habits, challenges, motivations, sleep, activity levels, and overall wellbeing.
By blending personal coaching, science‑based insights, and real‑world lifestyle tools, DWELL offers a smarter, more human way to support people with type 2 diabetes. It is a step toward a future where chronic care is empowering, sustainable, and rooted in everyday life.
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