YOURAH members visited the Helmholtz Munich Diabetes Centre

On October 23-25, a group of YOURAH advocates visited the Helmholtz Munich Diabetes Centre to meet and interview leading scientists and researchers working on the ISLET project, an EU-funded research project in which IDF Europe fosters the engagement of PwD and supports communication and dissemination activities.  

ISLET seeks to generate islet cells to replace those destroyed in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) to enable insulin production to restart. One of the project’s key principles is to foster exchanges between young advocates and young scientists to promote scientific understanding of research and cell therapy development, and explore the young advocates’ views, needs and aspirations. 

Through the interviews they conducted, YOURAH members will contribute to bringing this research closer to the diabetes community. 

Less than one week to the
IDF Europe YOURAH Forum
2024!

Each year, IDF Europe organises alumni get-together events for its YOURAH members – the YOURAH Forum.

These events provide a platform for past Youth Leadership Lab participants to reconnect and engage in shared advocacy efforts.  

This year, 16 YOURAH members will join the YOURAH Forum which will take place in Brussels on November 7-9, with the theme “Raising the voice of the youth diabetes community at the European level”. 

Participants will be trained in advocacy and communication skills, learn about the role of EU institutions, design advocacy campaigns to accelerate action on diabetes and interact with European decision-makers. 

We look forward to welcoming this year’s participants in Brussels! 

Young people living with T1D in Slovenia call for a healthier society

On September 24, the Slovenian Diabetes Association held the “Sweet Forum” in Lubljana, an event bringing together young people living with T1D, their peers, parents, educators and healthcare professionals (HCPs). 

During the event, participants highlighted the daily challenges of managing T1D and called for a more supportive, educated society with access to healthy lifestyles for everyone. 

Key discussion points included adapting to PwD's needs in schools, awareness raising of diabetes and better access to health technologies like insulin pumps.

Mr Jacky Vollet appointed as the new President of the French Diabetes Federation

In September 2024, Mr Jacky Vollet was appointed as the new President of the French Diabetes Federation (FFD), succeeding Mr Georges Petit. 

Mr Vollet will build on the work of his predecessor and lead the implementation of the FFD's 2024-2028 strategic plan which includes the strengthening of local actions and the creation of an observatory on life with diabetes. 

IDF Europe extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Georges Petit for his outstanding leadership over the past years and expresses full support to Mr Jacky Vollet, as he embarks on this important role. 

IDF Europe at the ISPAD 50th Annual Conference

On October 16, IDF Europe Board Member, Prof. João Raposo, joined the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 50th Annual Meeting in Lisbon. 

Prof. Raposo joined the Symposium on “Inequities in diabetes care: gaps and possible solutions”, where he presented IDF Europe’s initiatives aimed at tackling inequities in paediatric diabetes care.  

During his presentation, he emphasised the importance of including the voice of young PwD in any decision that affects them, from policy making to research.  

IDF Europe at the EPF High-Level Policy Event

On October 16, IDF Europe joined the European Patients Forum (EPF) High-Level Policy Event in Brussels. During the event, speakers addressed key topics including patient representation in EU health policy, access to medicines, health literacy, patients’ rights and the role of patient organisations in advocacy. 

As part of the event, EPF members had the opportunity to showcase recent advocacy initiatives, including IDF Europe’s campaign aimed at promoting the joint Declaration with WHO Europe, signed in November 2023, which calls on governing bodies to accelerate action on diabetes.

“Re-thinking health in the EU for improved access to quality diabetes prevention & care” 

On November 12, IDF Europe will hold a hybrid event at the EP in Brussels hosted by MEP Peter Agius, titled “Re-thinking health in the EU for improved access to quality diabetes prevention and care”.  

During the event, PwD, policymakers, public health experts, HCPs and other stakeholders will gather to explore the transformative actions required at national and EU levels to drive equitable access to effective diabetes management and prevention.  

For in-person attendance, please make sure to register by November 5. 

“Re-thinking health
in the EU for
a sustainable future

On November 14, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, IDF Europe will hold a second event at the EP in Brussels co-hosted by MEP András Kulja and supported by MEP Christel Schaldemose, titled “Re-thinking health in the EU for a sustainable future”. The event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss how the EU can support health system transformation for more resilient and sustainable healthcare systems and improve the lives of people living with diabetes and other NCDs.  

Please, register by November 7 if you need a pass to enter the EP.

Call for nominations to the IDF Europe Board 2025-2027

IDF Europe is seeking the nomination of members for its Regional Board 2025-2027. The elections will be held at the IDF Europe Regional Council in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 6, 2025. We seek inspiring and motivated candidates to improve health outcomes and quality of life for PwD in Europe and to elevate diabetes on the political agenda. 

Nominations are required for the President Elect (one position), Regional Board Directors (seven positions), Treasurer (one position), Youth Representative (one position) and Members of the Nominating Committee (two positions). 

Call for nomination to the IDF Europe Advocate Award

Since 2012, IDF Europe has recognised excellence, innovation and commitment to the diabetes community through specific prizes and awards. Diabetes advocates are transforming the landscape of diabetes care in Europe and are significantly contributing to improving access to care and quality of life for PwD. On World Diabetes Day 2024 (November 14), during an event at the EP in Brussels, we will award an Advocate Award, supported by Lilly Diabetes, to celebrate a diabetes advocate for their contribution to advocating for PwD’s rights. 

Nominations are open until November 6.

The diaTribe campaign:
“Spoonful of laughter

On October 10, the diaTribe Foundation launched the “Spoonful of Laughter” campaign which aims to use the power of comedy to provide education on diabetes and push back against stigma and stereotypes. 

As part of the campaign, comedians, activists and artists partnered to create content that shows that there are a lot of reasons to laugh when it comes to diabetes, but we have to be brave and smart enough to do it without adding stigma.  

Follow and share the campaign on social media:

Women and Diabetes: tackling hidden health disparities

On October 23, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) monthly newsletter featured a guest article from IDF Europe on health disparities in diabetes related to gender. The article highlights how women living with diabetes face unique risks, such as a higher likelihood of developing complications compared to men. It calls for targeted action to address these disparities through investments in gender-specific research, improved access to early diagnosis and high-quality care for women and the establishment of policy framework to address systemic socio-economic barriers in healthcare. 

WHO Europe feature stories: Konstantina Boumaki “My advice for all doctors is to see their patient as a human being”

WHO Europe recently published an interview with T1D Advocate and YOURAH member, Konstantina Boumaki.  

In the interview, she explains how her experience with person-centred care inspired her advocacy and her decision to pursue a career in medicine, emphasising the importance of access to psychological support and self-management education for all PwD. 

“My advice for all doctors, as a future doctor and as a patient, is to see their patient as a human being and not as a number”. 

WHO Europe feature stories: Jean Langford “I felt heard”
– tailored care as opposed
to textbook care for
diabetes

Another interview published by WHO Europe features the story of T1D Advocate and YOURAH member, Jean Langford. 

In the interview, she explains how limited early diabetes education left her feeling disconnected from her health, but access to continuous, person-centred care and self-management technology helped her re-engage with diabetes management and inspired her to train as a dietitian.  

“I was supposed to follow a one-size-fits-all insulin regime. I had no idea how to manage it well or adapt it to my life”. 

Joint Action CVD &
Diabetes (JACARDI)
General Assembly

On October 16-18, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, attended the Annual Meeting of Joint Action on Cardiovascular and Diabetes (JACARDI) in Paris. Representing IDF Europe on the Stakeholder Advisory Board, she participated in workshops on integrated care pathways and patient self-management.  

The objective of the Joint Action is to support European countries in reducing the burden of CVD and Diabetes at both individual and health system levels, with a focus on equity, diversity and sustainability. The co-creation and meaningful engagement of people with lived experience will contribute to amplify the impact of the initiative. 

Several IDF Europe member associations are also involved in the Joint Action within their respective countries: the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), the French Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Liga (Belgium) and the Finnish Diabetes Association. 

74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

On October 29-31, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, joined the inaugural non-state actors’ event and the 74th WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC74) in Copenhagen. The inaugural event highlighted the importance of partnerships between WHO Europe and civil society to promote health in Europe. Key highlight of the RC74 was the nomination of Dr. Hans H. Kluge for a second term as WHO Europe Regional Director. IDF Europe congratulated Dr. Kluge and welcomes his strong commitment to leave no one behind. 

During the RC74, IDF Europe provided written statements on two agenda items: 

8.1 | Progress Report on Leveraging digital transformation for better health in Europe

8.3 | Progress Report on European regional action framework for behavioural and cultural insights for equitable health

PRIME at the Brain Innovation Days 202

The Horizon 2020 PRIME study, in which IDF Europe participates, aims to understand the multimorbidity of insulin signaling and brain disorders and how these might overlap with somatic conditions. 

On November 13-14, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, IDF Europe Communications & Project Coordinator, Jessica Nastos, and representatives from fellow patient organisations involved in the PRIME study, ADHD-Europe and Alzheimer Europe, will participate in the Brain Innovation Days in Brussels.

During the event, they will join a panel discussion on bridging brain and somatic health disorders, to outline the patient’s perspective on the need to integrate brain and body care. 

Recognised: “The eyes as a window to the brain”

IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 Recognised project which aims to determine the usefulness of the retina to identify people living with T2D and cognitive impairments. 

On October 10, on the occasion of World Sight Day, IDF Europe and the Recognised project raised awareness of the link between diabetes and eye health. 

PwD are 20-35% more likely than those without diabetes to develop diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of blindness. Everyone deserves clear vision and uninterrupted access to affordable screening can make that possible. Under the theme of World Sight Day, “Love your eyes” we called on policymakers to prioritise eye health initiatives to prevent loss of sight. 

DigiCare4You: country profile for Spain

IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 project, DigiCare4You, which aims to improve the early prevention and management of T2D and hypertension (HTN).    

As part of DigiCare4You, country profiles on diabetes and HTN have been developed to provide an overview of the prevalence and trends in T2D and HTN, and the policies and national responses that have been developed to tackle these conditions in the country.  

The country profile for Spain was published this month in English and Spanish. 

DigiCare4You: interview with Prof. Florian Toti

As part of the DigiCare4You project, an implementation study is being conducted, targeting more than 10,000 families in two middle-income countries (Albania and Bulgaria) and two high-income countries (Greece and Spain). On October 3, DigiCare4You released an interview with the President of the Albanian Diabetes Association, Prof. Florian Toti, from the project implementation team in Albania. In the interview he provides an update on how the project is progressing in the country. 

Check out the country profile on diabetes and HTN in Albania in English on in Albanian. 

MMD welcomes MEP András Kulja as new co-chair of the MMD Group

MEP András Kulja (EPP, Hungary), a surgeon with a strong public health background, was recently appointed as co-chair of the MMD Group.  

Recognising the value of education and empowerment, MEP Kulja is keen to leverage his public health expertise to raise awareness of health issues among the general population.

As vice-chair of the EP committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and SANT subcommittee member, he is committed to accelerating action on NCDs in the EU. 

MMD welcomes on board a new member – MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis

MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D, Lithuania), former Lithuanian Health Minister and EU Commissioner for Health, joined the MMD Group in October. 

Drawing from his medical background and career as a surgeon, MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis has made public health his top priority throughout his various political roles. As a member of the SANT subcommittee, one of his main objectives is to develop a unified EU strategy to address common risk factors of NCDs, such as diabetes, which remain the leading cause of death in the EU. 

MMD members at the SANT Committee meeting on October 17

On October 17, several members of the MMD Group participated in a meeting of the EP subcommittee on Public Health (SANT).  

During the discussions on agenda item five, focusing on a study of the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies, on challenges and opportunities for addressing obesity, MMD co-chair, MEP András Kulja, highlighted the links between obesity, T2D and other NCDs. The MMD Group echoed his comments and stressed the need for comprehensive policies addressing NCDs in a comprehensive, holistic manner. 

MMD members at the EPF High-Level Policy Event on October 16

On October 16, several MEPs, including MMD members, Vytenis Andriukaitis, András Kulja and Tilly Metz, participated in the EPF High-Level Policy Event “Towards a patient-centred EU mandate: health policy with and for patients” 

The first fireside chat focused on access to medicines, health literacy and patients’ rights. 

During the second fireside chat, discussions focused on health technology assessment, antimicrobial resistance, the revision of the pharmaceutical legislation and EU health funding.