The project aimed to enhance the nutritional literacy and culinary skills of adults with type 2 diabetes, promoting autonomy in disease management. Its specific objectives were: (1) to co-create a training curriculum based on patients’ real needs; (2) to develop practical cooking skills enabling sustainable dietary change; (3) to create inclusive learning pathways accessible to different socioeconomic and educational levels; (4) to empower participants to make healthy and sustainable food choices; (5) to reach a wide audience through a multilingual e-learning platform; and (6) to strengthen the competences of healthcare professionals and policymakers in nutrition education. All objectives were directly linked to Erasmus+ priorities of accessibility, innovation, and quality in adult education.
Cook2DIAbeat was created to respond to the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the lack of accessible, practical nutrition education for adults. Although evidence shows that lifestyle changes are key to preventing complications, many patients lack the skills and tools to apply them. The project identified the need for an innovative approach combining medicine, nutrition, and gastronomy through experiential learning. It addressed the gap between theoretical health recommendations and everyday cooking practices. Cook2DIAbeat aimed to fill this gap by co-creating a patient-centered, hands-on training programme that empowers self-management of diet-related diseases, promotes sustainable food choices, and ensures transferability and long-term impact across Europe.