The silent threat of diabetes and chronic kidney disease: it is time for action
Each month, we open our newsletter editorials to special guests from our community who bring unique perspectives, expertise and lived experiences to important health topics. In this issue, we are honoured to feature Daniel Gallego, President of the European Kidney Patients’ Federation (EKPF), who highlights the connection between diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
As EKPF President, I want to draw attention to a critical yet often overlooked issue: the link between diabetes and CKD. This connection is silent but deadly, affecting millions across Europe. Alarmingly, one in three people living with diabetes (PwD) will develop CKD. Despite these staggering numbers, awareness remains dangerously low, not only among PwD but also within the general population.
Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD worldwide. Persistently high blood glucose levels damage the kidneys, progressively impairing their function and ultimately leading to kidney failure. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are compromised, their ability to filter blood effectively diminishes, causing fluid retention, weight gain and ankle swelling. Unfortunately, many people living with both diabetes and CKD experience no symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. This makes early awareness and diagnosis essential. Yet, screening for kidney function does not happen early enough. Managing both conditions can be extraordinarily complicated, requiring careful management of blood glucose, blood pressure and different medications, and the constant fear of kidney failure.
For too long, CKD has been absent from healthcare and diabetes conversations, often overshadowed by other diabetes-related complications. But for those living with the conditions, the reality is tough. Once kidney function declines to stage 4 (advanced CKD) or stage 5 (kidney failure), it cannot be restored and individuals need to undergo kidney replacement therapies such as dialysis or transplantation. Beyond the clinical, financial and environmental burden, the emotional and psychological toll is considerable.
People must be at the centre of this discussion. Education programmes need to be improved so that PwD fully understand their risk of CKD. Regular screening for kidney function must be integrated into diabetes care and access to specialised physicians and therapies that can slow disease progression must be expanded. Addressing disparities in healthcare access is crucial – everyone deserves high-quality care, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The EKPF advocates for policy changes that prioritise prevention, early detection, research and person-centred care. However, we cannot do this alone. We need governments, healthcare professionals (HCPs), industry and patient organisations to come together in addressing this crisis. Prevention, awareness and innovation, along with improved risk communication strategies, must be the focus of our collective efforts.
To all individuals living with diabetes and CKD: you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can raise awareness, drive policy change and ensure that kidney health does not remain silent and unseen.
Daniel Gallego
President, European Kidney Patients’ Federation
President, Spanish Federation Against Kidney Disease
YOUTH PLATFORM
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Applications for the IDF Europe YLL 2025 are now closed The applications for the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) 2025 are now closed. We wish to thank everyone who applied as well as our Member Associations and all those who shared news about the YLL with their network. We received many excellent applications and we will inform the selected participants of the results over the next few weeks. We are looking forward to meeting all of you soon! 
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Meet the mentors of Since 2023, near-peer mentorship has become an integral part of the IDF Europe YLL programme, creating a dynamic, two-way learning experience where both mentors and participants grow together. Each year, four junior and four senior mentors help participants strengthen their skills and navigate their advocacy journey through shared experiences, hands-on guidance and practical advice. 
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Visit us at the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok!
Are you attending the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok from April 7-10? If so, make sure to stop by the YOURAH booth (A41)!
Our team will be there to welcome you and share information about our exciting initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Lab, our advocacy efforts at European and EU level, and how we are empowering young leaders in the diabetes community.
We look forward to seeing you in Bangkok!
READINGS ON DIABETES
We deal with the management of diabetes on a daily basis as people with lived experience or HCPs; we deal with politics, policies, research and many other aspects of diabetes, but rarely do we find the time to frame diabetes in a historical context.
Readings on Diabetes, presented to IDF Europe by Angelo Argenteri, MD, Maria Stella de Sabata, MA, and Andrea Ascoli Marchetti, MD, is a journey through the major diabetes milestones, one of the oldest and still most widespread diseases, with anecdotes, stories, historical facts and a very rich iconography.
You may be familiar with some, less with others. We invite you to discover more about diabetes than your daily experience of it and trust you will be enriched and inspired by these stories.
The IDF Europe Newsletter will present each month a chapter from Readings on Diabetes, which can be downloaded in full here.
2. ANATOMICAL DIGNITY OF THE PANCREAS
For centuries, the pancreas remained an enigma – an overlooked organ lost in the shadows of more prominent anatomical structures. Ancient Egyptian medicine recognised pancreatic diseases, yet the organ itself remained nameless. Even as early anatomists including Hippocrates meticulously catalogued the human body, the pancreas struggled to gain recognition, dismissed as merely another gland.
It was not until Aristotle that the pancreas was first explicitly named, though its function remained a mystery for centuries. From Galen’s enduring, yet flawed, theories to the Renaissance breakthroughs of Vesalius and Falloppio, the pancreas slowly emerged from obscurity. However, it was not until the 17th century that scientific curiosity shifted from its structure to its crucial role in digestion, setting the stage for modern discoveries.
This chapter unravels the fascinating history of the pancreas, exploring how anatomical debates and scientific persistence shaped our understanding of this vital organ.
Are you curious to learn how the long quest to understand diabetes began? Explore this fascinating story in Chapter Two of Readings on Diabetes.
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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News from the We are delighted to announce that Marian Brennan has joined our team as Communication and Engagement Manager. With a clinical background as an exercise physiologist and diabetes educator, Marian has worked across government, private, academic and not-profit sectors. She is eager to continue working with the diabetes community and contribute to improving the lives of those with the condition. 
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World Obesity Day event at the European Parliament On the occasion of World Obesity Day, on March 4, IDF Europe Board Member, João Raposo, joined the European Parliament event hosted by MEP Laurent Castillo. During the event, he highlighted Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity as markers of health systems resilience and stressed the need for more effective responses to tackle these challenges. 
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The IDF Europe T2D European Community Summit
Following the success of our first T2D Summit in 2024, we will hold our second Summit in Brussels on 9-11 May, 2025. We welcome applications from people living with T2D who are interested in joining the community and advocating for improved prevention and management of T2D.
During the event, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their peers, discuss the barriers and facilitators to T2D engagement in advocacy work and identify synergies at national and European levels.
For more information, please contact idf-europe@idf-europe.org
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
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Zero Discrimination Day: we stand together On Zero Discrimination Day (March 1), we raised awareness of the discrimination and stigma that many PwD face. Studies estimate that four in five adults living with diabetes experience stigma. This can occur in the workplace due to misconceptions about their ability to perform job duties as well as when applying for health insurance – where they may face higher premiums or even be denied coverage. Beyond mental well-being, discrimination and stigma, can also adversely affect physical health and reduce support and funding for diabetes treatment and research. Let’s stand together against misconceptions and replace judgment with understanding and compassion. 
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World Hearing Day: making hearing care a reality for all On World Hearing Day (March 3), we highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of diabetes on overall health, including hearing. PwD are twice as likely to experience hearing loss as those without diabetes due to the damage caused by diabetes to small blood vessels throughout the body, including those of the inner ear. Additionally, high blood glucose levels over time can damage nerves, including those involved in the transmission of sound signals to the brain. By raising awareness of this connection, we aim to foster better care and support for people living with diabetes and its complications. 
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World Kidney Day: detect early, protect kidney health On March 13, World Kidney Day was a crucial reminder of the importance of kidney health. On this occasion, we highlighted its strong link to diabetes, which is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with more than one in three people PwD developing the condition. Conversely, kidney transplants can also increase the risk of developing T2D. This year’s focus was on early detection. When diagnosed early, CKD can be treated effectively and the deterioration of kidney function can be slowed or even stopped. A holistic approach to diabetes and kidney care is therefore essential to prevent complications and protect people’s health. 
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Stalled progress on NCDs As the UN High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) approaches, two major reports – the UN Secretary-General’s NCD progress report and the WHO European Health Report 2024 – show that despite global commitments, we are falling behind on tackling diabetes and other NCDs. We recently published an article highlighting where progress on NCDs and diabetes is stalling and calling on Member States to:
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Protecting diabetes care in Europe: opportunities and challenges of the Critical Medicines Act
On March 11, 2025, the European Commission presented the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), aimed at strengthening the EU's pharmaceutical supply chain and addressing vulnerabilities such as medicines shortages.
While focusing on boosting manufacturing capacity and diversifying supply chains for critical medicines, the CMA’s provisions are crucial for PwD, especially regarding the availability of insulin and other diabetes medicines.
The act plans to secure EU production and reduce reliance on external suppliers. However, the diabetes community raises concerns about the inclusion of essential medications beyond insulin and the potential short-term challenges of re-localising production. Collaboration with patient organisations is crucial for effective implementation.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
EU4Health Civil Society Alliance event: unlocking Europe’s future
On March 26, the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance held an event at the European Parliament hosted by MEPs Tilly Metz, Stine Bosse, Vytenis Andriukaitis and András Kulja on the need to prioritise health under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The hosting MEPs underscored that health is a cross-party issue and that its prioritisation within the MFF is essential for Europe's long-term sustainability. They also noted that health remains a top priority for EU citizens, reinforcing the need for an EU budget that truly reflects public concerns.
CSOs reiterated their call for operating grants, enabling them to continue their advocacy, represent their communities effectively and maintain independence.
During the event, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, emphasised the importance of incorporating youth voice and needs into health-related advocacy efforts.
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New clinical trial As part of the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the EU (ACT EU) initiative, a new clinical trial map is now available on the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) website. This interactive tool provides patients and HCPs with easy access to real-time information on clinical trials across the EU, improving access to research and facilitating connections between investigators and the public. Individuals can directly inquire about potential enrollment in a given trial. The initial version of the map is in English, with additional EU languages to be added in future updates. 
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T1D screening: ethical, equity and health systems perspectives A new article in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology discusses the recent inclusion of presymptomatic stages of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in medical classification codes. Since these early stages are now officially recognised, experts are recommending population screening to identify people at risk before symptoms develop. However, decisions about screening need to address ethical, equity and health system considerations, including concerns such as medicalising presymptomatic stages, the psychological impact of screening results and access to treatment. 
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WHO Europe new publication: population ageing and financial sustainability As populations age, ensuring financially sustainable health systems and affordable access to care becomes more critical than ever. A new publication from WHO Europe explores how the growing share of older adults could create a healthcare financing gap, where funding falls short of meeting people’s needs. Without proactive policies, people may face higher out-of-pocket costs, leading to financial hardship and unmet needs. Using an advanced simulation model, the report forecasts the impact of ageing on health system financing and offers strategies for countries to prepare, helping to protect households and build resilient, future-proof health systems. 
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WHO Europe new release: quick buys for prevention and control of NCDs WHO Europe recently released a set of “quick buys”, highlighting cost-effective, evidence-based interventions that can deliver measurable public health benefits within five years. This follows concerns that progress on reducing premature mortality from NCDs, including diabetes, has been stalling. Diabetes-related “quick buys” include glycaemic control, blood pressure management, statin use and early screening for CKD. Policies targeting unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are also emphasised. However, while these measures promise timely results, they require long-term commitment and systemic changes to ensure sustainable impact. 
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EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
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SmartDiabetes: a value-based approach to diabetes care IDF Europe is part of the EIT Health project, SmartDiabetes, which aims to establish a comprehensive, value-based model for diabetes management, integrating digital therapy, data-driven tools and sustainable procurement practice to improve PwD's health and reduce systemic costs. At the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Fernando Seoane, from the Karolinska Institutet, will present a poster outlining the SmartDiabetes project’s background, methods and goals. If you are attending the Congress, be sure to visit the E-Poster Terminal 3, Poster Station 3, on March 8 from 12:25-12:30 to view the abstract presentation. 
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DigiCare4You: fourth newsletter edition IDF Europe is part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project which aims to improve the early prevention and management of T2D and hypertension (HTN) through an innovative person-centred, community-based solution involving digital tools. The fourth edition of the DigiCare4You newsletter was published in March 2025. The newsletter provides an overview of the project, the main milestones achieved over the past months, a description of what partners are now working on and relevant resources on T2D and HTN. Subscribe here to receive the DigiCare4You newsletter. 
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MMD NEWS
MMD welcomes a new member – MEP Marta Temido
MEP Marta Temido (S&D, Portugal), former Minister of Health in Portugal, has recently joined the MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes (MMD) Interest Group.
As Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and an active member and substitute on several committees, including the Committee on Public Health (SANT), she brings valuable expertise in public health and a strong commitment to improving access to high-quality care for all EU citizens.
We look forward to collaborating with MEP Temido to enhance access to care, improve diabetes management and ensure all citizens receive the support they need to lead healthier lives.
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025
Bangkok, April 7-10, 2025 | For more information, click here
International Conference on Integrated Care
Lisbon, May 14-16, 2025 | For more information, click here
Seventy-eight World Health Assembly
Geneva, May 19, 2025 | For more information, click here
European Health Management Conference
Rennes, June 4-6, 2025 | For more information, click here
European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 60th Annual Meeting
Vienna, September 15-19, 2025 | For more information, click here
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