#UseYourVote
Next week, on June 6-9, citizens from across the European Union (EU) will vote for their representatives in the European Parliament (EP). The outcomes of these elections will be key to determining how supportive of the many remaining unmet health needs of the people living with, or at risk of, diabetes, future EU health policies will be – from increased focus on the social and economic determinants of health to financing of research and heightened support to Member States in the adoption of new medicines and technologies and innovative approaches in healthcare delivery.
Although EU Member States are primarily responsible for organising and delivering health services and medical care, EU policies and initiatives can complement, guide and support national efforts in various ways. Through legislation, funding programmes, research and innovation, the exchange of best practices and health promotion initiatives, the EU can significantly enhance citizens’ health and quality of life. Additionally, the adoption of a “health-in-all-policies" approach across the EU helps create healthier environments by addressing the environmental, cultural and socio-economic determinants of health.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for increased cooperation and coordination in the health sector across the EU, generating a political push for a “European Health Union”, promoting harmonised health standards for reduced inequalities in access to healthcare. Despite this momentum, we are witnessing setbacks to the strengthening of the EU’s role in health, such as the €1 billion cut to the EU4Health programme voted by the European Council last January.
Next week’s elections provide a vital opportunity for EU citizens to make their voices heard by casting their vote for representatives who prioritise health and are committed to pushing for a comprehensive approach to tackling the burden of diabetes and other chronic conditions.
In the lead up to the elections, we continued to raise awareness of the IDF Europe-WHO Europe Declaration, urging governing bodies to accelerate action on diabetes. Throughout May, we asked our community to share their reasons for signing the Declaration and showcased what they want to see improved in the prevention, management and care of diabetes in their respective countries and across Europe. Our goal is to remind policymakers of the real-world impact of their decisions and the urgent need for more meaningful action. From improved access to self-management technologies to diabetes education, members of our community shared their priorities and joined forces to advocate for a better future for people living with diabetes (PwD) and those at risk.
It’s not too late to have your voice heard!
Visit our Declaration Endorsement Wall to discover the key messages shared by our community
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
The D-YOUTH podcast: the T1D shared experiences podcast
In a world where Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can often feel isolating, a group of young diabetes advocates has come together to create "D-Youth," a podcast designed to connect and inspire those living with the condition.
The podcast creators, Linda Budde, Lazar Begović, Madalena Gonçalves, Marieva Tzanavara, Júlia Szednik and Anna Zamperetti, met during the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) in Bulgaria, in 2023. Since then, they have been working together on the podcast and have published 27 episodes featuring guests from all over Europe who share their personal stories of living with diabetes.
To learn more about this project, we interviewed Lazar, Linda, Marieva and Madalena. They shared insights about the creation of the podcast, some of the stories they found most inspiring and suggestions on how to start a new diabetes advocacy journey.
MEMBER NEWS
Save the date: IDF Europe Regional Council 2024
We are delighted to announce that the IDF Europe Regional Council 2024 will take place in Rome, Italy, on October 12-13.
Each year, the Regional Council represents a great opportunity to meet all our Member Associations in person, provide a review of our priority projects and programmes, discuss financial matters and strengthen our network across Europe.
Stay tuned! More information about the Regional Council will be shared with our Member Associations before the summer.
We look forward to meeting all our Members Associations in Rome next October!
Dr. Francisco Javier Ampudia-Blasco appointed new President of the Spanish Diabetes Society
During the Spanish Diabetes Society (SED) 35th Congress, Dr. Francisco Javier Ampudia-Blasco was appointed as the new SED President, succeeding Dr. Antonio Pérez Pérez.
During his presidency, Dr. Pérez contributed to increasing the organisation’s membership and enhanced its financial sustainability while spearheading significant initiatives such as the development of the first registry for T1D in Spain.
With a strong background in endocrinology and research, Dr. Ampudia-Blasco aims to further expand SED’s international presence and enhance the engagement of HCPs and PwD in SED’s activities to ensure equitable access to innovative diabetes care in Spain.
Mr. Helgi K Georgsson appointed new President of Diabetes Ísland
During the last General Assembly of the Icelandic Diabetes Association (Diabetes Ísland), Mr. Helgi K Georgsson was appointed as the new President of the association, succeeding Ms Sigridur Johannsdottir, who had served on Diabetes Ísland Board since 1999 and has now retired.
Mr. Georgsson has been living with T1D since he was a young man, and his 14-year-old daughter has also been living with the condition since she was very young.
He has served on Diabetes Ísland’s Board since 2021, initially as a representative of the parents/children’s group. Mr. Georgsson is committed to continuing the initiatives and the good work carried out under Ms. Johannsdottir’s presidency.
Webinar: "Promoting and accelerating the shift towards plant-based diets for a healthier Europe"
IDF Europe, the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP) and the French Diabetes Federation (FFD) have been collaborating on the 18-month project “Eat Better, Live Better”, supported by the international movement, “Healthy Food Healthy Planet”.
The initiative aims to explore and promote the role of plant-based diets in managing diabetes through sustainable and healthy diets.
Following the event held at the EP on April 18, IDF Europe, APDP and the FFD will host a webinar on June 11 to present the project’s results. During this online event, various stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare professionals (HCPs), public health experts and PwD, will share their perspectives on plant-based diets, strategies for supporting sustainable behavioural changes, ways to mobilise stakeholders to translate science into action, and the policies needed to improve health outcomes and ensure a sustainable future for EU citizens.
IDF Europe welcomes the Spanish Diabetes Federation as new provisional member
IDF Europe is pleased to announce that the Spanish Diabetes Federation (Federación Española de Diabetes – FEDE) has been accepted as a new provisional member of IDF.
As a national association representing PwD, FEDE strongly believes in cooperation and teamwork between organisations as a priority to effectively improve the quality of life for all PwD globally.
IDF Europe looks forward to renewing its collaboration with FEDE within the European network of national diabetes associations.
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Save the date – IDF Europe symposium at EASD: “Personalisation of care – the way forward”
During the 60th EASD Annual Meeting on September 9-13, IDF Europe will hold a symposium: "Personalisation of care - the way forward".
Chaired by Prof. João Raposo, Medical Director at APDP, Diabetes Portugal and IDF Europe Board Member, the event will feature the perspectives of PwD on what personalisation of care really means to them and what is needed to drive it. A multidisciplinary panel of HCPs will engage in a conversation on the importance of getting to know healthcare system users and how to make a science of it. Will also be addressed during the event potential approaches to the transformation and standardisation of healthcare systems as well as the main policy barriers and enablers to ensure optimal care personalisation.
The Symposium, supported by Air Liquide Healthcare, will take place on September 12, from 11:30-13:00 CEST, at the Retiro Hall, IFEMA Convention Center – Feria de Madrid.
Please note that you need to be registered for the EASD Annual Meeting to be able to attend our Symposium.
IDF Europe Country Profiles: Albania and Spain
As part of our Centenary of Insulin campaign, we are releasing national factsheets presenting key facts about diabetes care, with the purpose of raising awareness and enabling policymakers to make better decisions when it comes to diabetes care.
Digital Health Uptake webinar on digital health technologies for the self-management of chronic diseases
On June 20, IDF Europe Director, Strategy & Policy, Sabine Dupont, will moderate a panel discussion on digital health technologies for the support of self-management of chronic diseases, during the webinar organised by Digital Health Uptake (DHU).
Digital Health Uptake is an EU-funded project aiming to facilitate the alignment of policies, strategies, instruments and activities to advance the uptake of digital health solutions and services in Europe.
During the webinar, speakers representing academia, the private sector, healthcare providers/insurers and PwD will discuss how to demonstrate evidence facilitating high acceptance and large-scale uptake in the reimbursement markets.
ECDA policy debate: “Investing
in NCD prevention and
control for better health
in Europe”
On May 29, the European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA) launched a campaign calling for action and investment in NCDs prevention and management. As part of the campaign, ECDA published the recording of a policy debate hosted by MEP Sara Cerdas, MEP Tilly Metz and MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen at the European Parliament.
During the policy debate, speakers discussed recent achievements in addressing NCDs and identified necessary actions for the future of health in the EU. IDF Europe Advisor to the Board and Diabetes Advocate, Cajsa Lindberg, joined the debate and shared key insights on the importance of meaningfully engaging people living with NCDs in decision-making not only as patients, but also as experts on their lived condition.
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
International Nurses Day
On May 12, we celebrated International Nurses Day by highlighting the key role of nurses in preventing and managing diabetes. Nurses frequently act as the first point of contact for PwD and have the skills necessary to help monitor and manage the condition. Despite this, many countries still do not provide specialised training to them nor allow them to prescribe medication. This can hinder their ability to deliver the best possible care and intervene on time.
European Mental Health Week
On the occasion of the European Mental Health Week, we raised awareness of the importance of access to psychological support for PwD. Whether online, through forums and support groups, or community events, peer support plays a vital role in breaking down barriers, reducing diabetes stigma and promoting mental wellbeing.
Encouraging and building peer-to-peer support networks is essential in promoting mental health for all across Europe.
One of the projects IDF Europe is involved in, the Diabetes Digital Peer-support project (DiaPs), aims to create a digital platform where PwD can share their experience of managing diabetes during sports activities, meet and chat with others.
International Clinical Trials Day
On the occasion of International Clinical Trials Day, we shared information about IDF Europe’s participation in the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) project, Trials@Home. The project seeks to bring clinical trials into people’s homes, making them less burdensome and allowing them potentially to achieve easier recruitment and broader diversity.
As a consortium member, IDF Europe has been coordinating the work of the Patient Expert Panel, consisting of seven PwD contributing their perspectives across all stages of the project.
Citizens and patients should always be engaged in the development of clinical trials to ensure that their needs and preferences are represented in the development of new innovations.
European Week Against Cancer
During the European Week Against Cancer, we raised awareness of the challenges people living with cancer face when they also live with diabetes.
PwD are at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer due to high levels of blood glucose and a state of inflammation that can provide a favourable environment for the growth of cancerous cells.
Blood glucose can increase during cancer treatment, making the occurrence of side effects more likely while some cancer medications can also interact with diabetes medications, decreasing their effectiveness. Certain chemotherapies, steroids and other cancer treatments can also cause diabetes.
Policy changes that foster early detection of NCDs such as cancer and diabetes and improved access to novel technologies such as Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for people living with both conditions can improve the prevention of complications and side effects.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
Last Eurobarometer survey results before the EU Elections
According to the results of the EP's last Eurobarometer survey before the EU Elections, European citizens see the fight against poverty and social exclusion and public health as the main issues they would like to be discussed during the electoral campaign.
Addressing poverty, social exclusion and the social determinants of health, along with strengthening public health, are crucial to reducing health inequalities and curbing the rise in diabetes prevalence across the EU.
As the EU Elections approach, it is imperative for policymakers to heed the concerns of citizens and accelerate efforts to improve their health and quality of life. By prioritising these critical issues, the EU can contribute to building a healthier future for all its citizens.
EU Commission communication on the European Health Union
On May 22, the European Commission published a communication reflecting on the achievements of the current mandate and exploring the remaining priorities to be addressed in the next mandate. The European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, which continue to be the leading cause of death in Europe.
IDF Europe welcomes this commitment and strongly encourages the Commission to intensify its efforts to address the NCD crisis. With diabetes being the root cause of many life-altering complications and chronic conditions, IDF Europe calls on the Commission to recognise diabetes as one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time and accelerate action to leave no-one behind.
EIWH webinar on health literacy and women’s health
On May 21, we attended the webinar on digital health literacy and women’s health organised by the European Institute of Women’s Health (EIWH), which is part of the project “Improving digital empowerment for active health living” (IDEAHL), aiming to empower EU citizens to use digital health tools to improve the management of their conditions.
As stated by Prof. Janusz Janczukowicz, chair of the WHO Academy Quality Committee, low health literacy is often exacerbated by misinformation and health deserts, which can leave people living with, or at risk of, NCDs, such as diabetes, with poor access to accurate and timely information.
Educating HCPs on how to take into consideration cultural customs and address women and marginalised groups in the use of digital technologies, by using lay language and considering an intersectional feminist approach in the development of digital health tools, are key strategies to help overcome barriers and ensure people have the skills and tools necessary to access robust health information and improve the management of NCDs among women.
Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly
The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) was held on May 27-June 1 in Geneva, Switzerland, with the theme "All for Health, Health for All". The WHA gathered Member States (MS) representatives, health experts and civil society organisations to discuss and set WHO policies, programmes and budgets.
A key outcome was the approval of the WHO's Fourteenth General Programme of Work, (GPW 14). The GPW 14 provides insight into WHO’s vision and key priority areas and is a high-level roadmap that will guide its work during the coming years with six strategic objectives. A notable addition to GPW 14 is the new outcome indicator on the prevalence of controlled diabetes in adults, highlighting the importance of improving diabetes management in order to reduce complications and improve the quality of life of PwD.
On May 28, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, attended the International Diabetes Federation side event which focused on diabetes and wellbeing. During the event, speakers representing various diabetes stakeholders explored challenges to physical and mental wellbeing for PwD and their role in promoting better quality of life for those living with the conditions. They also emphasised the importance of effective partnerships with the meaningful engagement of PwD as well as the need for governments to uphold their commitments towards achieving the Global Diabetes Targets by 2030.
The Lancet Global Health Commission on people-centred care for universal health coverage
On May 29, the Lancet Global Health announced the establishment of a new Commission on people-centred care for universal health coverage. The Commission aims to support the implementation of people-centred care to achieve sustainable universal health coverage and health equity, fill gaps in evidence-based guidance, and identify best practices and novel approaches.
The Commission is currently recruiting a diverse, independent group of multidisciplinary experts on people-centred care including people with lived experience, academic researchers, policy makers, HCPs, private sector representatives and civil society.
The recruiting process is done through an open call for nominations and self-nominations.
The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2024.
The Insulin On Board 2024 football tournament
The sixth edition of the Insulin on Board Cup (IOB Cup) 2024 will take place in Warsaw, Poland, on June 15-16. Every year, this sporting event sees the participation of nearly 500 players living with diabetes from all over Europe across four age categories.
Since its first edition, the IOB Cup has represented a great opportunity for the international diabetes community to come together, have fun and promote the importance of physical activity for PwD.
IDF Europe is honoured to be a patron of the event.
EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
PRIME Annual Meeting
The PRIME study aims to understand the multimorbidity of insulin signaling and brain disorders and how these might overlap with somatic conditions.
Results will inform the development of better tools for diagnosing, caring for, and preventing insulin-related conditions such as diabetes.
On May 13-14, IDF Europe attended the fifth general assembly of the PRIME study in Bologna. During the event, consortium members shared insights on the role of diet and lifestyle in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, explored the latest research results on the function of the KCNQ1 potassium channel and provided updates on an e-learning platform. This platform, in which IDF Europe is involved and for which it has already developed two lectures, will provide information on insulin-related disorders to clinicians.
IDF Europe, along with consortium members, Alzheimer Europe and ADHD Europe, held a presentation on the importance of involving people with lived experience and patient organisations in research. The presentation highlighted the benefits of collaborative research, such as person-centred outcomes and increased trust and credibility in science and research.
During the Annual Meeting, IDF Europe Board Member, Professor Leszek Czupryniak, gave a keynote lecture on GLP-1 receptor agonists, a T2D medication stimulating insulin production. He highlighted recent developments in research and their anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain brain function and decrease the risk of strokes.
DigiCare4You Annual Meeting
IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 project, DigiCare4You, which aims to improve the early prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension.
On May 15-16, IDF Europe, along with other DigiCare4You partners, gathered in Pisa, Italy, for the fifth annual consortium meeting. During the meeting, each partner provided a presentation on the work conducted in their respective work packages during the second reporting period. Each presentation was followed by a discussion on challenges and next steps.
We were pleased to see our fellow partners and hear about the great progress being made in the project. We would like to offer a special thank you to our partners at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies for hosting us in their beautiful city and campus.
DigiCare4You on World Hypertension Day
On May 17, on the occasion of World Hypertension Day, DigiCare4You published an article highlighting the burden of hypertension and providing information on the importance of prevention, early detection and adequate management to lower the risk of developing life-altering complications.
Recognised at the Brain Innovation Days
IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 research project Recognised, which brings together 21 different partners from nine countries.
The project 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 November 13-14, Dr. Rafael Simó, Recognised Project Coordinator, will attend the Brain Innovation Days in Brussels. During the event, he will represent Recognised in a session on the latest EU research bridging somatic and brain disorders, alongside a representative of the PRIME project.
Htx final project
meeting
On May 23-24, IDF Europe Director Strategy and Policy, Sabine Dupont, participated in Htx's final expert & stakeholder meeting.
During 2019-2024, this Horizon 2020 research project explored new methodologies to improve the assessment of complex and personalised combinations of health technologies, developed methods to support personalised treatment advice and piloted the implementation of these methods in Europe. A range of resources are available on the website, including the “Patient Toolbox”, a series of resources to better understand health-technology assessment challenges, choosing the best treatment and using Patient-Related Outcomes Measures (PROMs).
Trials@Home Semi-annual Meeting
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.
On May 23-24, consortium partners gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the project's semi-annual meeting. During the meeting, IDF Europe, which leads the project’s patient engagement activities, organised a session with members of the Patient Expert Panel and other stakeholders, to explore how best to facilitate, and measure, the value of patient engagement within research projects from the viewpoint of researchers and other project stakeholders, A working group will now be set up to develop a publication outlining the key results of the T@H engagement and recommendations on developing and improving engagement in research projects.
DIABETES-RELATED PUBLICATIONS
The Lancet Public Health | “Differences across the lifespan between females and males in the top 20 causes of disease burden globally: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021” | Read the article
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology | “Food additive emulsifiers and the risk of type 2 diabetes: analysis of data from the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study” | Read the article
World Health Organisation | “Tackling NCDs: best buys and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases”, 2nd edition | Read the publication
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
17th International Primary Care Diabetes Europe Conference (PCDE) – The Changing Paradigm in Primary Care Diabetes Management
Barcelona, June 6-8, 2024 |For more information, click here
Football Tournament “Insulin on Board Cup” (IOB Cup) 2024
Warsaw, June 15-16, 2024 |For more information, click here
Webinar: Digital Health Uptake “Digital health technologies supporting the self-management of chronic diseases”
Online, June 20, 2024, 14:00-15:30 CET |For more information, click here
IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) 2024
July 7-13, 2024 |For more information, click here
European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) 15th Conference
August 19-21, 2024 |For more information, click here
European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 60th Annual Meeting
Madrid, September 10-13, 2024 |For more information, click here
IDF Europe Regional Council
Rome, October 12-13, 2024 | More information will be available before the summer
International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 50th Annual Conference
Lisbon, October 16-19, 2024 |For more information, click here
Brain Innovation Days
Brussels, November 13-14, 2024 | For more information, click here
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