HIGH-LEVEL TECHNICAL SUMMIT ON DIABETES
Accelerating action on diabetes
Diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a huge burden on individuals, societies and healthcare systems. Added to this, the health outcomes for people living with diabetes are not improving in line with recent innovations. A key contributing factor is the permacrisis in which we live, from COVID-19 to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, natural disasters and other emergencies. This is exacerbating current challenges and impeding progress in achieving better prevention and care delivery, itself resulting in lower quality of life and poorer health outcomes. Over the past few years, the permacrisis overshadowed significant policy developments designed to improve diabetes prevention, management and care such as the WHO Global Diabetes Compact (2021), the World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution for reducing the burden of NCDs through strengthening prevention and control of diabetes (2021), the Global Targets for Diabetes at the 75th WHA (2022) and the new European Parliament Diabetes Resolution (2022).
On November 28-29, IDF Europe, in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe), will hold a High-Level Technical Summit (HLTS) on Diabetes in Belgrade, Serbia. The HLTS will represent a unique opportunity to bring together WHO Europe, IDF Europe and representatives from Member States, the European Union and national diabetes associations as well as people living with diabetes (PwD) to elevate diabetes on the political agenda and accelerate action to deliver on existing commitments.
Marking one year since the adoption of the new European Parliament Diabetes Resolution, the HLTS will seek to build on the growing political momentum and, ultimately, to develop solutions adapted to the permacrisis era.
With the quality of diabetes prevention, management and care being markers of health systems resilience, elevating and accelerating action on existing commitments on diabetes will be paramount to improve the lives of people with diabetes and other NCDs and to improve population health.
IDF EUROPE YOUTH PLATFORM
Less than one month to the YOURAH Forum!
On October 21-22, 25 alumni from our Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) will meet in Lisbon to continue their advocacy journey and to strengthen their bonds with fellow young diabetes advocates.
The weekend will feature sessions focused on brainstorming and co-creation to unite the voice of the young diabetes community and to identify the advocacy strategies required to keep diabetes high on the political agenda at national and European levels.
Starting from this year, the YLL get-together events will be co-hosted by alumni themselves in collaboration with their national diabetes association and IDF Europe. This will contribute to developing a fully tailored programme from the perspective of young leaders.
We wish to thank the Portuguese YLC Alumni and APDP, Diabetes Portugal, for being the firsts to host this event!
We are looking forward to meeting this year’s participants in Lisbon next month!
IDF Europe joins the WHO Youth4Health Network
On September 25, WHO Europe launched the Youth4Health Network which will serve as a platform for meaningful youth engagement in all areas of WHO/Europe’s work. It will not only connect youth representatives with WHO/Europe, but also serve as a strong mechanism to connect young people who are passionate about health and well-being and want to accelerate change, including young people with fewer opportunities.
IDF Europe is proud of being represented in this platform by one of the young diabetes advocates part of our YOURAH network, Linda Budde, a motivated Public Health student from Germany.
We are looking forward to engaging with the activities of the Youth4Health Network and to fostering youth representation in health policymaking.
MEMBER NEWS
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Swedish Diabetes Association at the 2023 Nordic Forum
On August 31 and September 1, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, participated in the 2023 Nordic Forum and the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Swedish Diabetes Association (Svenska Diabetesförbundet).
The Nordic Forum provided a platform for representatives of national diabetes associations from Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Norway and Sweden to exchange experiences, share their goals and identify joint actions to improve PwD's daily lives.
IDF Europe welcomes the spirit of collaboration that was present throughout the event. Finding common ground, exchanging best practices and shedding light on common challenges are of the utmost importance.
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Diabetes prevention day 
On August 14, 2023, the International Diabetes Association of Ukraine partnered with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and Kyiv City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to organise the “Diabetes Prevention Day” in Kyiv. The event aimed to raise awareness of the risks associated with elevated glycaemia and it included the possibility for people to get their blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure tested. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) provided medical consultations to participants by addressing their health concerns and by explaining how to make informed choices about their well-being to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). |
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Cycling initiative in Italy: 
On September 1-3, the C.R.A.D. FVG-ODV (Regional Coordination of Diabetes Associations) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy organised the second edition of the diabetes awareness bicycle ride, “Diabete a Ruota Libera”. During the three-day bicycle ride, 130 participants each cycled 300km and stopped in 12 municipalities to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for preventing and managing diabetes by engaging with local communities, authorities and HCPs. The event gained strong media coverage and put the spotlight on a topic which is often overshadowed by other healthcare issues. |
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Don’t miss the IDF Europe Symposium at EASD!
During the 59th EASD Annual Meeting on October 2-6, IDF Europe will hold a symposium on mobilising PwD, HCPs and policy makers to lower the risk of diabetes and its complications.
During the event, which will be chaired and moderated by Prof. João Raposo, Medical Director at APDP, Diabetes Portugal, and IDF Europe Board Member, speakers representing the perspective of various diabetes stakeholders will share their insights on collaborative efforts to halt the rise in the number of people living with the condition and the development of diabetes-related complications.
The Symposium will take place on October 5, from 14:00-15:30 CEST, at the Chicago Hall, Hamburg Exhibition and Congress, Germany.
Twinning Programme webinar series for Member Associations
On September 7, we held the very first webinar of our Twinning Programme series for IDF Europe Member Associations.
The programme aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and connections between our members to help them maximise the impact of their activities at national level.
During the first webinar, five IDF Europe member associations from France, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden gave a presentation about initiatives and best practices that have been/are being implemented in their respective countries.
We are very excited to continue this series as it represents a great opportunity for our members to learn from each other, share their knowledge and experiences and strengthen their connections!
In parallel to the webinar series, we will continue running the one-on-one format of the Twinning Programme. If your association should like to be considered to join the initiative, please contact martina.boccardo@idf-europe.org.
Ride Ukraine: London to Kyiv cycle challenge
On August 26, 62-year-old living with T1D, Jerry Gore, and his friend Paul Buckley embarked on a 3,000km bicycle ride from London to Kyiv with the goal of raising €100,000 for essential medicines and medical supplies for people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions in Ukraine.
Over the past month, they have been cycling through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine stopping at cities and towns along the way to collect donations and raise awareness of the challenges of living with diabetes in wartime.
We wish to thank all IDF Europe member associations who supported the fundraising and welcomed Jerry and Paul during their inspiring journey.
"Eat better, live better”: questionnaire on eating habits of adults living with T2D
The European Project “Eat Better, Live Better” in which IDF Europe partners with its member associations from Portugal and France, launches a questionnaire on eating habits of adults living with T2D.
The first step of this project, which aims to promote a healthy and sustainable diet for people with T2D, is to understand the eating habits and attitudes of Portuguese and French citizens living with the condition.
Food education is a crucial component of diabetes treatment, but it does not need to be restrictive and monotonous. Experimenting with other ways of preparing and cooking food, using more plant-based foods, with a greater variety of nutrients and less salt, are some of the changes that can be made.
Are you an adult living with T2D in Portugal or France? Please, take some time to contribute to the project by completing the questionnaire:
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
IDF Europe position paper on Unmet Medical Needs for PwD
In November 2020, the European Commission released its Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, followed by the adoption on April 26, 2023, of a proposal for a new Directive and a new Regulation, revising and replacing the existing general pharmaceutical legislation (GPL).
IDF Europe is committed to ensuring that the GPL truly delivers on the most important priorities for PwD and other conditions – ensuring access to affordable medicines and addressing unmet medical needs (UMNs).
UMN in diabetes encompass not only treatment and disease prevention but also the quality of life and health outcomes that current medications offer. With our position paper on UMN for PwD, we call on the co-legislators to revise the current definition for UMN and ensure that the final one:
- Acknowledges the burden of chronic diseases on citizens/their families/caregivers.
- Considers the progressive nature of chronic conditions, where improvements in quality of life and health outcomes and disease-modifying treatments remain key unmet needs.
Reflects the need to take into account patients’ preferences.
The notion of UMN has to be defined in a process of collaborative deliberation that has the perspectives of citizens at its heart while ensuring that patient organisations are included as partners in this process.
IDF Europe Position Paper on the SANT Subcommittee Own-Initiative Report on NCDs
On August 30, 2023 during the SANT committee meeting, MEP Erik Poulsen (Renew, Denmark), the rapporteur for the own initiative report (INI) on NCDs, presented the draft report. The amendments to the report were tabled by 7 September, and the political groups are currently negotiating compromise amendments, to be voted in ENVI committee on 24 October.
IDF Europe fully supports the continued interest and engagement of MEPs in the overall status and specificities of the prevention, management and treatment of NCDs.
We believe that the high interconnection between some NCDs, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), renal diseases, obesity and mental health, requires a holistic and integrated approach, complemented by disease specific priorities for action, taking into account disease progression over the life course.
We thank all the supporting MEPs who reflected the voice of PwD through their amendments and stand ready to provide additional support and contribute to the final version of the report that has the perspectives of PwD and other chronic diseases at its heart.
IDF Europe proposed amendments to the SANT Subcommittee Own-Initiative Report on Mental Health
MEP Sara Cerdas (S&D, Portugal), the rapporteur for the own initiative report (INI) on mental health presented her draft report on August 30, 2023, during the SANT subcommittee meeting. MEPs were invited to table their amendments by September 7, 2023.
IDF Europe welcomes the European Parliament’s determination to tackle the increasing burden of mental health issues on European citizens, health systems and society at large. In its proposed amendments, IDF Europe highlighted the two-way relationship between NCDs such as diabetes and mental health disorders, whereby both conditions exacerbate the negative impacts of the other and contribute to higher mortality rates and worse health outcomes for individuals.
We therefore believe that the draft report should highlight the tight link between NCDs and mental health conditions and we call for integration of adequate psychological support as a key component of chronic disease care.
We thank MEPs for their support and look forward to providing further input as the political groups negotiate the compromise amendments.
2023 Global Week on NCDs: “The Moment for Caring is Now”
This year’s Global Week on NCDs, on September 14-21, preceded the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). On this occasion, IDF Europe joined the Act on NCDs campaign’s call on governments, ministers of finance and health, donors, international agencies and the private sector to accelerate progress on the implementation of NCD prevention and care policy and to achieve UHC.
Despite the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and world leaders’ commitment to implement UHC by 2030, inequalities in access to healthcare services for people living with, or at risk of, developing NCDs such as diabetes keep preventing the achievement of UHC.
Throughout the week, we explored and shared with our communities the priorities of the NCD community for achieving UHC and their relevance for PwD:
- ACCELERATE efforts
- ALIGN policies
- ENGAGE people with lived experience
- INVEST resources efficiently
World Alzheimer Day 2023
On World Alzheimer Day, IDF Europe highlighted the critical need to raise awareness of the challenges of diabetes management in people also living with dementia.
Aging represents a risk factor for both diabetes and dementia. As the global population continues to age, the prevalence of these two conditions will also rise and so will the need for adequate support to be provided to people living with the conditions.
When diabetes is coupled with dementia, the already intricate challenge of managing these complex conditions significantly increases. People living with both conditions require the dedication of caregivers, specialised healthcare teams and comprehensive healthcare planning.
Improving our understanding of how to adequately act to address the needs of people living with diabetes and dementia is crucial to ensure that they receive the care and support they require to optimize their quality of life and health outcomes.
World Heart Day 2023
On the occasion of World Heart Day, on September 29, we highlighted the importance of understanding how CVD and diabetes are related.
Despite the fact that PwD are two to three times more likely to develop CVD than people without diabetes, many of them are not aware of this increased risk. This results in CVD being the most prevalent cause of death in PwD and leading to higher healthcare costs.
Empowering PwD by providing them with better information about heart health and with the tools for managing their risk factors and understanding CVD symptoms is thus key to tackling this issue.
To raise awareness of the importance of knowledge and education for improving the lives of PwD who are at risk of developing or already live with CVD, we published a video conversation in which two PwD and two HCPs shared their perspectives on the topic.
To celebrate the European Week of Sport, on September 23-30, we shared messages from members of our community about the importance of inclusion of all people, including those living with diabetes, in sport.
Sports are not just about physical activity; they create unity, inspire confidence and break down barriers. No one should feel excluded from practicing sports because of the condition they live with.
Until the end of 2022, IDF Europe took part in Sport & Diabetes, a project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, which aimed to promote participation in sport of youths living with type 1 diabetes by educating sports coaches and teachers as well as addressing the key barriers to participation among children, adolescents and their parents. Two of the project’s key outputs are a comprehensive handbook and a comic book providing easy-to-use information about the basics of doing sport when living with diabetes.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
WHO European regional consultation – NCDs in emergency preparedness and response: from permacrisis to resilience
On September 13, Prof. João Raposo, Medical Director at APDP, Diabetes Portugal and IDF Europe Board Member, participated as an expert in the WHO European Regional Consultation on NCDs in emergency preparedness and response: from permacrisis to resilience.
The consultation consisted of keynote addresses and parallel working groups. During the sessions, NCDs were addressed as a crucial topic to be taken into account for the development of emergency preparedness strategies. Diabetes was mentioned several times by speakers not only because of its high prevalence in the Europe region, but also because it provides a good example of the importance of the empowerment and education required for PwD to be equipped to cope with emergency situations.
The engagement with patient associations and civil society participation was highlighted as an essential element to incorporate into emergency response plants. Their engagement can effectively complement the efforts of governmental organisations and other stakeholders given their close proximity to the people in need of assistance. Patient associations, especially, have demonstrated their effectiveness during recent crises through the establishment of support networks, for example.
EPHA 30th Anniversary
Conference
On September 12, we attended EPHA’s 30th Anniversary Conference with the theme “Empower Health: People, Politics, Possibilities”. The event was an insightful opportunity to look back at how public health has evolved over the past 30 years and to renew our shared commitments to continue driving positive impact for a healthier Europe.
During the conference, several speakers highlighted some of the topics that are at the core of IDF Europe’s vision and mission such as the importance of ensuring that the engagement of people living with diabetes and other conditions in policy initiatives is not just tokenistic but starts early and actually empowers people.
9th ESWI Conference on Influenza, COVID-19 & RSV
On September 17, Prof. João Raposo also joined the 9th ESWI Conference on Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in Valencia, where he discussed Enhancing Vaccination Uptake in Healthcare Settings Overcoming Challenges and Elevating Vaccination Coverage.
During his presentation, Prof. Raposo addressed the burden of influenza amongst PwD and showcased how, despite the existence of guidelines and recommendations, vaccination rates vary widely across population groups in Europe. He then explained the crucial role of education and effective communication between HCPs and PwD to empower people to become full partners of their own care and subsequently increase vaccination uptake.
EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
Trials@Home patient recruitment survey
IDF Europe is a consortium member of the EU-funded research project, Trials@Home, which aims to reshape clinical trial design, conduct and operations, by developing and piloting standards, recommendations and tools for the definition and operationalization of decentralized clinical trials in Europe.
As part of the project, a survey is currently being conducted among people over 18 living with T2D in the Netherlands to understand their preferences relating to their willingness to participate in different types of clinical trials. Are you interested in participating?
DigiCare4You new publication
IDF Europe is part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project which aims to improve the early prevention and management of T2D and hypertension (HTN). The project’s overall objective is to assess the scalability and transferability of an intersectoral, innovative person-centred solution involving digital tools, aimed at empowering families and integrating community care services in Europe for the prevention and management of T2D and HTN.
In August 2023, Consortium Partners published a new article in npj Digital Medicine on the cost-effectiveness of text messaging, smartphone application and website interventions for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Check out our summary of the article to learn more about the results
RECOGNISED Annual Meeting
IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 research project RECOGNISED, which brings together 21 different partners from nine countries. It seeks to determine whether events taking place in the retina in people living with T2D can be used as a marker of changes occurring in the brain signaling cognitive impairment and dementia.
On September 18, RECOGNISED’s Consortium Partners gathered to review the progress of the project at the Vall D’Hebron Institute in Barcelona. There, they presented and discussed their preliminary results and future application opportunities. The cross-sectional clinical study enrolled 509 participants who were examined for cognitive performance and retinal function; the results of this study are being currently analysed. Of these, 248 participants (183 with mild cognitive impairment and 65 without [these will act as controls]) were enrolled in a 30-month longitudinal study. It was reported that there was a 91% retention rate of participants who returned for follow-up exams at the 12-month study visit. Some participants have already reached the 30-month follow up (i.e., last visit of the RECOGNISED study, as funded by the EU) and, at present, 5% of participants have already completed this last visit.
MMD ACTIVITIES
MEP Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS joins the MMD Group
The MEP Interest Group on Diabetes, MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes (MMD Group), is delighted to welcome on board a new member Stelios Kympouropoulos (EPP, Greece). MEP Kympouropoulos is advocating for a wide range of health issues, from improving prevention and control of NCDs to the rights of people living disabilities and mental health conditions as well as the digital transformation of healthcare for better care delivery for all people.
As shadow rapporteur for the INI on NCDs, MEP Kympouropoulos advocated for the acknowledgement of the link between NCDs and mental health conditions. There is an urgent need to support the mental health of people living with NCDs such as diabetes and ensure access to adequate psychological support and its integration into their routine care as its key component.
IDF Europe and the entire diabetes community look forward to working together with MEP Kympouropoulos to raise awareness of diabetes in the EU institutions and foster ambitious policy action to address the diabetes challenge and improve the quality of life and health outcomes of people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
Economist Impact event: Future of Health Europe
London, United Kingdom, October 11-12, 2023 | For more information, visit the website here
WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC73)
Astana, Kazakhstan, October 24-26, 2023| For more information, visit the website here
HealthTech for Care Innovation Days
Paris, France, October 24-25, 2023| For more information, visit the website here
High-Level Technical Summit on Diabetes
Belgrade, Serbia, November 28-29, 2023 | Organised by IDF Europe in collaboration with WHO Europe here
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2023 Virtual Congress - Diabetes Complications and Diabetes in Crisis
Online, December 4-7, 2023 | For more information, visit the website here
IDF Europe is also on LinkedIn and Instagram!
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