“Education with art”: diabetes education through theater

Materials and methods Longitudinal study, with the participation of 24 young people with diabetes type 1 (DM1) between 10-17 yrs. old. The acting classes are biweekly lasting, for 3 hrs., aiming to improve the expressions of feelings and at the same time the body language, as a way of working possible psychological barriers in the adherence to diabetes treatment. The program covers topics on diabetes (based on a Education Program) that are discussed through games and activities to increase the interest and reduce stressful situations. At the same time, is carried out a support group for parents with a psychologist. At the end of a year the group presented a play whose theme was based on the comics Uncle Julian. A simple and fun language provides a method of learning about various topics on diabetes in a playful manner.