EU Screening Week: bringing integrated
health checks closer to people
A shift is underway in how we think about chronic diseases: from treating diseases once they emerge to preventing them, detecting risk earlier and acting sooner. This change is increasingly reflected in health policy and practice across Europe, including in the European Commission’s launch of the Safe Hearts Plan in 2025, which aims to strengthen cardiovascular health across Europe.
The Plan recognises the close links between cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions and highlights the need for more integrated approaches to prevention and care. One of its flagship initiatives is a Council Recommendation for cardiovascular health checks, which was released on World Heart Day.
IDF Europe was part of a Task Force alongside the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS), European Heart Network (EHN), European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), EUDF and European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA), which proposed a protocol for screening including a proposed frequency and health check types. We are delighted to see that many of the recommendations were adopted.
As part of its work on chronic disease prevention, the European Commission also launched the first annual EU Screening Week on World Heart Day. For IDF Europe, this was an opportunity to highlight the importance of integrated screening for people living with, or at risk of, diabetes. Around 34 million adults in the EU live with diabetes, with approximately one in four remaining undiagnosed. Diabetes, CVD, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obesity share common risk factors and frequently occur together, making earlier identification of risks particularly important.
From recommendations to action: two “Know Your Numbers” initiatives
For the EU Screening Week, IDF Europe brought its “Know Your Numbers” Mobile Unit to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Milan.
At the Allianz MiCo – Milan Convention Centre, the Mobile Unit offered free health checks to around 300 people covering HbA1c (a measure of blood glucose levels), lipid profile, Lipoprotein(a) (a marker of cardiovascular risk), kidney health, blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), helping participants better understand their health and potential risk factors for T2D, CVD, CKD and obesity.
In Brussels, meanwhile, IDF Europe alongside the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Commission, organised health checks in front of the Berlaymont building. Supported by the Belgian Heart League, the Belgian Society of Cardiology and Association du Diabète, IDF Europe and ESC provided free checks to 785 people for key diabetes, CVD and obesity risk factors, while also offering information on prevention and early detection.
Together, the two initiatives brought the objectives of EU Screening Week into practice, demonstrating how joint health checks can help people identify risks earlier and take action.
From screening to care
Screening is only the first step. Its impact depends on timely follow-up, appropriate interventions and clear pathways of care.
Through its participation in the Task Force and its “Know Your Numbers” initiatives, IDF Europe continues to advocate for integrated, person-centred approaches that connect prevention, early detection and care across diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and obesity.
These efforts are part of IDF Europe’s broader work to strengthen prevention, screening and access to appropriate care across Europe.
Elena Thompson
IDF Europe's Communications & Social Media Intern
MEMBER NEWS
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Beyond the Strait with Diabetes: challenges Are Best Faced Together On September 8, people living with diabetes (PwD), diabetologists and athletes came together for the third swimming crossing of the Strait of Messina, organised by the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD). Covering around 3.5 km of open water, the initiative highlighted that diabetes should not limit people’s ambitions, passions or participation in sport. Supported by IDF Europe, the event also aimed to challenge diabetes-related stigma and promote inclusion. A documentary is being produced around the initiative, exploring three key themes: challenge, myth and stigma. 
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Strengthening diabetes advocacy through Nordic collaboration On August 27-28, representatives from diabetes associations across the Nordic countries gathered in Oslo for the 2026 Nordic Forum, hosted by the Norwegian Diabetes Association. The annual meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration on shared priorities. A separate youth programme brought together young participants to discuss membership growth, advocacy and mental health. IDF Europe joined the Forum, contributing to discussions and connecting with diabetes organisations from across the region. 
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IDF EUROPE NEWS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
IDF Europe Symposium explores the future
of diabetes education in the AI era
On October 1, during the EASD Annual Meeting in Milan, IDF Europe hosted a symposium bringing together PwD, healthcare professionals (HCPs), diabetes educators and other experts to explore how diabetes education can evolve in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health.
The session was opened by Prof. Tadej Battelino, while Martina Boccardo, IDF Europe’s Research and Publications Coordinator, shared preliminary insights from IDF Europe’s work mapping gaps, challenges and opportunities in diabetes education across Europe.
Prof. Michael Trenell highlighted the potential of AI and digital health platforms to deliver personalised support to larger numbers of PwD, while Prof. Per-Ola Carlsson explored how technology can provide continuous guidance and personalised feedback between clinical visits.
During the panel discussion, Dr Rita Forde, Erik Werson, Dr Sufyan Hussain and Prof. Gauden Galea explored shared decision-making, behaviour change, access and the gap between available innovations and their implementation in practice. The discussion reinforced the importance of ensuring that digital innovation complements human-centred care and helps make diabetes education more accessible and impactful across Europe.
We thank Air Liquide for its support and for being a partner of this symposium.
EASD Spotlight session – How to talk to policymakers?
During EASD, Elisabeth Dupont also represented IDF Europe at the EUDF Spotlight session “How to talk to policymakers” in Milan. The session explored practical approaches to effective diabetes advocacy, including the importance of combining evidence with clear proposals, understanding policymakers’ priorities and building lasting relationships. Elisabeth shared IDF Europe’s experience of working with national member associations to strengthen advocacy at national level and connect European policy opportunities with countries’ needs. The discussion also underlined the value of collaboration across the diabetes community to turn advocacy into meaningful policy action.
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Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND) – Milan At the FEND conference in Milan, just ahead of EASD, Cameron Keighron, our Youth Engagement and Strategy Lead, shared a personal journey into diabetes advocacy, from diagnosis to working with IDF Europe. A central part of that story is the relationship Cameron built with diabetes nurses, whose support, encouragement and expertise shaped how they understood and managed their condition and ultimately helped to inspire a journey of speaking up with other young people for better diabetes care. It was really wonderful to share this story with an audience of nurses. Cameron also presented the IDF Europe Youth Programme, which aims to empower young people with diabetes to become confident advocates and leaders in their communities. 
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JACARDI at ISQua 2026 On September 27, Elisabeth Dupont represented IDF Europe at the session “Leveraging the integration of screening efforts and care pathways” during the Primary Care Symposium at the ISQua Pre-Conference in Dublin. Together with Helena Safadi and Luigi Palmieri from JACARDI, she explored how screening for cardiovascular disease and diabetes can lead to timely, coordinated and person-centred care. Drawing on JACARDI’s pilot experiences, the discussion highlighted that identifying risk is only the first step: people also need clear information, appropriate follow-up and support. Ensuring that screening is integrated into primary care, alongside meaningful involvement of PwD, is essential to help people move confidently from screening to appropriate care. 
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JApreventNCD Youth Advisory Group second in-person meeting
On September 21, Cameron Keighron, our Youth Engagement and Strategy Lead, joined the JApreventNCD Youth Advisory Group meeting in Slovenia to deliver a session on including underrepresented voices in NCD prevention. The session focused on people with lived experience of NCDs, exploring how their insights can shape research, science and civil society work.
Cameron also contributed to a discussion with the WHO High-Level Study Group on Social Participation, highlighting the needs of people living with NCDs and the importance of involving them in decisions that affect their lives. It was a truly valuable opportunity to bring these perspectives to the table.
Keeping Pace with CGM Innovation
IDF Europe has published a new Expert Opinion, "Continuous Glucose Monitoring in 2026 – Considerations for Technology Selection in Modern Diabetes Care”. In the paper, IDF Europe Chair, Prof. Tadej Battelino, argues that traditional classifications such as real-time CGM (rtCGM) and intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) should no longer guide decisions on access, reimbursement and procurement as technology continues to evolve. He highlights three key principles: recognising advances in CGM technology, prioritising performance, quality and clinical evidence and putting the individual’s needs and preferences at the centre of technology selection.
Global Week for Action on NCDs 2026
From August 31 to September 4, the Global Week for Action on NCDs 2026 brought together people and organisations worldwide to raise awareness and call for stronger action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases are among the major health challenges facing communities globally and require coordinated action across sectors.
For people living with NCDs, this means ensuring that they are part of the conversation and that commitments translate into better prevention, access to care, treatment and support.
The Global Week highlighted the role of governments, HCPs, researchers, civil society, communities and people living with NCDs in turning commitments into meaningful action.
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES AND HEALTH
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World Alzheimer's Day On World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21), IDF Europe underlined the links between diabetes, brain health and cognitive decline. PwD have been reported to have a 65% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection. As PwD live longer, addressing cognitive health is increasingly relevant to supporting healthy ageing and quality of life. 
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Patient Safety Day On World Patient Safety Day (September 17), IDF Europe stressed the importance of safe, high-quality care for PwD, under this year’s theme “Safe care for life”. Diabetes requires ongoing care and support, this includes preventing acute complications such as hypoglycaemia, where access to safe and reliable technologies such as continuous glucose monitors can support early detection, as well as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) through early-stage type 1 diabetes (T1D) screening, monitoring and education. 
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World Sepsis Day
On World Sepsis Day (September 13), IDF Europe emphasised the important link between diabetes and sepsis. PwD are twice as likely as people who do not live with the condition to develop sepsis, underlining the importance of awareness and prevention.
Early recognition of infection, appropriate preventive measures and timely treatment can help reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
WHAT WE ARE READING
Updated 2026 consensus on type 1 diabetes management - Diabetologia
The ADA and EASD have published an updated 2026 consensus report on the management of T1D in adults. New developments in diabetes technology, prevention and early-stage T1D, cardiovascular risk, obesity, complications and psychosocial care are incorporated in the consensus, with updated recommendations for modern T1D management. Read more
New EASD guideline on diabetes distress - Diabetologia
A new EASD evidence-based clinical practice guideline features recommendations for assessing and managing diabetes distress among adults living with T1D and T2D. It emphasises the need for person-centred care, routine discussion of emotional well-being, validated assessment tools and access to appropriate psychological support, recognising the emotional burden of living with and managing diabetes. Read more
Diabetes technology in T2D care - Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
A new narrative review examines the growing role of CGM, automated insulin delivery, smart insulin pens and digital health applications in T2D. The authors highlight improvements in glycaemic outcomes while also pointing to persistent challenges around access, reimbursement, interoperability and workforce education, emphasising the need for equitable integration of technology into routine care. Read more
Gaps in type 2 diabetes care in Belgium - Archives of Public Health
A population-based study examining the T2D care cascade in Belgium highlights important gaps in diagnosis and follow-up care. While 76% of people living with T2D had evidence of receiving diabetes care, only 46% received at least two HbA1c measurements and 24% had an eye examination, while 45% achieved glycaemic control. The findings point to bottlenecks in timely detection and appropriate follow-up. Read more
Supporting young people through the transition to adult diabetes care - Diabetologia
A new consensus report from ISPAD, EASD and ADA addresses the transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care. It highlights the importance of structured, coordinated and developmentally appropriate transition processes to support young people as they move between care settings and maintain continuity of diabetes management. Read more
OUR NETWORK
Meet the people behind the Youth Leadership Lab
A new video series highlights the experiences and perspectives of participants and speakers from the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL). The series features first-hand reflections on the Lab, exploring what participants took away from the experience and their perspectives on youth leadership and advocacy.
The YLL is an IDF Europe programme that supports young PwD to develop their leadership and advocacy skills and strengthen their participation in discussions and decision-making within the diabetes community.
Through the interviews, viewers can discover the people behind the YLL and learn more about their experiences throughout the programme.
T2GETHER Advocacy Training Programme:
from integrated care to tackling stigma
The T2GETHER Advocacy Training Programme held its fourth and fifth modules, focusing on key issues shaping the lives and care of people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Module 4 focused on the cardio-renal-metabolic complex, exploring the links between heart, kidney and metabolic health and the importance of coordinated, person-centred care.
Participants also discussed how advocacy and lived experience can help identify gaps and improve care. Thank you to Dr Tomás Griffin for being a speaker in this module.
The final online module explored diabetes stigma and the power of language, highlighting how the words we use can shape assumptions, attitudes and decisions. Participants reflected on how advocacy can help challenge stigma and ensure that the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience are heard in discussions around diabetes. Thanks to Dr Cathy Breen for being a speaker in this module.
The programme now moves to Brussels for the in-person T2GETHER Summit, taking place on October 9–11 and bringing together 34 participants from 18 countries. The Summit will provide participants with an opportunity to complete their training, strengthen their advocacy skills, exchange experiences and learn from one another. It will also welcome new members to the T2GETHER Community, helping to expand the network of people working to strengthen the voice of people living with T2D.
EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
MOVEUP – empowering people with chronic conditions through sport
IDF Europe is a project partner of the Erasmus+ MOVEUP project, which aims to make physical activity more accessible to people living with T2D and other chronic health conditions through tailored sport that promotes fun, inclusive environments and supports better health.
MOVEUP Final Dissemination Event
The MOVEUP Final Dissemination Event will take place on October 13, from 14:00 to 17:00, at the NH Berlaymont in Brussels, bringing together project partners, participants and stakeholders to share the project’s results, experiences and lessons learnt.
During the afternoon sessions, stakeholders will explore how inclusive sport and physical activity can support people living with chronic health conditions.
During the event, MOVEUP consortium partners will present results from the MOVEUP project, practical experiences and lessons learnt.
MOVEUP promotes inclusive physical activity
during European Week of Sport
To mark the European Week of Sport, IDF Europe joined MOVEUP partners and collaborators at EcoTrail Brussels on September 5 for a day focused on movement, inclusion and diabetes awareness. Together with Zatopek, Association du Diabète and Sports to Change Diabetes, IDF Europe took part in a group walk, supported demonstrations of adapted sports featured in the MOVEUP project and hosted a joint information stand.
The event also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes and the importance of staying active, with contributions from Sports to Change Diabetes and a MOVEUP coach from Visé.
The initiative highlighted MOVEUP’s commitment to making sport and physical activity more accessible, inclusive and adaptable for people living with chronic health conditions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
World Diabetes Day Exhibition
November 14, European Parlament, Brussels
International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) - 52nd Annual Conference
November 4-7, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress in Singapore
April 9-12, 2027, Singapore
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