INNOVATION IN DIABETES CARE DELIVERY
Diabetes is a complex condition affecting more than 61 million people in Europe (one in 11 adults). No population group is immune to it. Of those living with the condition, more than one third are undiagnosed and up to half do not achieve adequate blood glucose management.
Managing diabetes is both time consuming and complicated. It requires tracking blood glucose levels (currently captured invasively), interpreting this data, making careful nutrition and exercise decisions and, in some cases, self-administering insulin treatment as well as other medications. Achieving early and optimal blood glucose levels and increasing the time spent in a pre-determined glycaemic range are key to preventing long-term diabetes-related complications such as blindness, cardio-vascular diseases and lower limb amputations, which can have debilitating consequences.
Since the discovery of insulin 100 years ago, advances in diabetes care delivery have transformed the quality of lives of people with diabetes (PwD). Technology-led innovation as well as novel approaches in the design and delivery of healthcare models now make the systemic changes required to tackle the challenge of diabetes possible, notably lowering the risk for people of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetes-related complications, promoting equitable health environments, increasing the quality of care, ensuring fairer and more affordable access to care and ultimately reducing the high burden of the condition for PwD and society.
One of the most impactful areas of innovation in diabetes care delivery over recent years has been patient empowerment. This is key to improving engagement and self-management, promoting adherence to treatment, helping people cope with their condition, and ultimately improving clinical outcomes. The most significant second area of innovation has revolved around the organisation and design of healthcare delivery itself, with a shift towards more patient-centred, integrated and outcomes-focused care models, all critical for people with diabetes who often live with more than one condition.
Supporting both areas of innovation has been the greater availability and use of data, new technologies and artificial intelligence. Constraints have centred around the setup of foundational IT and data layers and the development of frameworks incentivising the use of novel tools and practices and supporting their reimbursement. These have somewhat slowed down or prevented the adoption and scaling up of innovative approaches in diabetes care.
Nevertheless, and while much remains to be done, much has been achieved over the last decade not least driven by people living with diabetes themselves. The diabetes community now calls on all national health systems and decision makers to invest in innovation to ensure people living with diabetes have the best possible life and to reduce inequalities in access to care and health outcomes. All these advances would be in vain if they are only accessible to the few, while the many continue to suffer sub-optimal health outcomes and quality of life, as is unfortunately still the case for many people in Europe.
UKRAINE NEWS
Support for people living with diabetes affected by the war in Ukraine
IDF Europe is extremely concerned for PwD in Ukraine and those displaced as a consequence of the unprovoked war who, over three months after the start of the conflict, keep facing increasing challenges due to the shortage of diabetes medicines and supplies, the disruption of diabetes care and management, and the psychological impact of the war.
Since the beginning of the conflict, as well as calling for an immediate end to it, we have been working with our international partners and member associations on ensuring the delivery of medicines, devices and supplies that PwD require in Ukraine and in the countries in which Ukrainian citizens seek refuge.
Centralising information is key to helping people access it easily. To facilitate this, IDF Europe has developed the platform "Connect Solidarity", which gathers information to help Ukrainians living with diabetes understand what support they can get in the country where they are displaced, and how to get it, as well as resources that can be used by healthcare professionals and people in need of medical or psychological support living with diabetes and/or other conditions. Currently, information for the platform also highlights the fundraising initiatives endorsed by IDF Europe to support the delivery of medical supplies to PwD in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, as well as our own fundraising efforts to support the work of our member associations that are offering assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees living with diabetes.
To know more about our initiative, how you can donate, join, or support our efforts, click on the button below:
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
IDF Europe Centenary of Insulin campaign
The country profile for Portugal is now out!
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. To support the factsheets, Presidents and/or Board Members of National Diabetes Associations, members of IDF Europe, share their views about the situation in their countries, highlighting some of the recent achievements, the role of their association and the gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed. Young advocates from our YOURAH network are also sharing their personal stories and experiences about access to diabetes care and education in their countries.
This month, we released the Portugal’s country profile!
Click here or on the image to read our factsheet and learn more about diabetes care in Portugal.
Watch the video testimonials from Dr. João Filipe Raposo, APDP Clinical Director, Dr. Rita Nortadas, APDP physician, and Alexandra Costa, a diabetes advocate, to learn more about access to diabetes medicines and technologies in the country, and the importance of early diagnosis, guidance, and support for providing the right care to people living with diabetes.
Click here to read the country profiles for Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Serbia, and Turkey.
We thank our members and the young advocates who are participating in our campaign, and we look forward to continue publishing more country profiles.
IDF Europe symposium at EASD:
“Improving the HCP-PwD interaction for better health outcomes, quality of life and resilient health systems”
During the 58th EASD Annual Meeting on September 19, IDF Europe will hold a symposium to explore the key components of the relationship between people living with T2D and their primary healthcare professionals for achieving optimal health outcomes and quality of life, and to highlight what needs to be put in place to ensure that this interaction is effective and promotes a patient-centred and holistic approach to diabetes management.
The symposium will include a presentation of the work conducted by IDF Europe’s platform of PwD on the HCP-PwD interaction, and panel discussions on the approaches contributing to improve the quality of the interaction between PwD and HCPs.
Learn more about the programme here
IDF Europe webinar:
“Delivering Value through Innovation in Diabetes Care Delivery”
About 10% of adults live with diabetes in Europe. Despite advances in care, education, medication, tools and technologies, the diabetes prevalence continues to rise, more than one third of PwD remain undiagnosed, and up to half the PwD do not achieve adequate blood glucose management.
Novel approaches in healthcare design, delivery and financing together with technology-led innovation have the potential to address the key barriers to the delivery of high-quality diabetes care and the huge burden to PwD associated with fragmented care. The adoption of innovative tools and approaches and/or their deployment beyond their original setting/at scale is often constrained though.
To highlight key innovative developments and ways in which the adoption of innovation can be promoted, IDF Europe is launching a new publication:
"Delivering Value though Innovation in Diabetes Care Delivery"
Join the launch of our new publication by registering for the webinar on June 16.
More information about the agenda and guest panelists will be out soon. For more information, visit the page of the event here.
IDF Europe twinning programme
We are delighted to announce that the matching phase of the twinning programme has now started. We are currently contacting all member associations that have expressed an interest in participating in the programme to set up conversations to match associations’ strengths and needs, and to define the format, topic, and objectives of their exchange.
We are looking forward to facilitating the programme and helping associations maximise the impact of their activities by connecting, giving, and receiving support.
If your association should still like to be considered for the twinning programme, please contact martina.boccardo@idf-europe.org.
Learn more about the programme on our website.
IDF Europe Regional Board - call for nominations
The International Diabetes Federation European Region is calling for the nomination of members for its Regional Board 2023-2025. The elections will be held at the IDF Europe Regional Council in Lisbon, Portugal, on December 4, 2022.
IDF Europe seeks inspiring and motivated candidates to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with diabetes in Europe, and to elevate diabetes on the political agenda. Deadline for nomination is June 15.
Click here to learn more about the open positions, the selection criteria and the nomination process.
We are looking for a new Junior Communications Officer!
IDF Europe is looking for a new Junior Communications Officer to join the team. The job holder will support the development and management of IDF Europe's internal and external communication activities.
Interested and qualified candidates should send a curriculum vitae and a cover letter to describe interest and relevance to the position to idfeurope@idf-europe.org.
The successful applicant is expected to start as soon as possible.
Find more information about the position here
NEWS FROM EUROPE
EUDF recommendations to improve diabetes care
Diabetes remains one of the most misunderstood and underestimated of all common medical conditions.
To enhance the quality of diabetes care and improve health outcomes and quality of life for all those living with diabetes, the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) convened experts from across the diabetes landscape – healthcare professionals, researchers, industry representatives, and people living with diabetes to come up with specific and achievable policy recommendations. These highlight three areas where – if certain steps are taken – progress is readily within reach: integrated care, registries, and digital technologies.
Read more here
WHO Regional Committee for Europe convening on the draft resolution on the health emergency in Ukraine and neighbouring countries
On May 10, WHO/Europe convened a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, focusing on the impact of the ongoing war on health in Ukraine.
During the session, the Regional Committee discussed a draft resolution proposed by 38 WHO Member States titled “Health emergency in Ukraine and neighbouring countries stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression”.
The key points of the draft resolution are:
- Condemning Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, including healthcare facilities;
- Demanding that the Russian Federation ensure respect for international humanitarian law;
- Inviting WHO Member States to support the Government of Ukraine in protecting and promoting the health rights of the population of Ukraine;
- Requesting the WHO Regional Director for Europe to safeguard the technical cooperation and assistance provided by the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases;
- Calling upon the Regional Director to bring the resolution to the attention of the World Health Assembly, together with an assessment of the health emergency situation in Ukraine;
- Inviting the Director-General to coordinate with relevant partners as appropriate.
Following the Regional Committee debate and the voting procedure, the draft resolution was adopted with 43 Member States in favour, three against, two abstaining, and two absent.
Read more here
WHO publishes report on ‘Noncommunicable diseases progress monitor 2022’
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases are a major public health challenge of today. In April 2022, WHO published the 2022 Progress Monitor report that provides data on the 19 indicators to prevent and control NCDs. The report presents evidence-based policies that represent the most effective and cost-effective actions for countries to protect their citizens from the burden of NCDs. It provides information for each country related to their achievement of the NCD progress monitoring indicators. The indicators include:
setting time-bound targets to reduce NCD deaths
developing all-of-government policies to address NCDs
implementing key tobacco demand reduction measures, measures to reduce harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets and promote physical activity
and strengthening health systems through primary health care and universal health coverage.
Read more here
WHO Office at the European Union meeting with non-state actors working on cancer and other NCDs
On May 17, the WHO Office at the European Union hosted a meeting with the Brussels-based community of Non-state Actors (NSAs) working on public health with an interest in cancer and other NCDs. During the meeting led by Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director, Non-Communicable Diseases, WHO and Dr Nino Berdzuli, Director of the Division of Country Health Programmes, WHO/EURO, participants shared their reflections and ideas on how to achieve better health outcomes for people living with cancer and other NCDs, and on the role of WHO within the EU policy environment.
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
Speak up for mental health! - Because everyone deserves access to mental healthcare
During the European Mental Health Week (May 9-13), IDF Europe called for immediate action at European and national level to address the mental health needs of young people in Europe.
Diabetes is a complex disease which requires round-the-clock self-management throughout the course of a person’s life. Its impact on mental health is huge. PwD may, at times, experience increased levels of distress, anxiety, and depression. Not only does this affect one’s everyday life, relationships, and emotional state but it can also negatively impact a person’s ability to manage their diabetes leading to poorer physical health.
Youth are effective change-makers if given proper rights and opportunities to engage. IDF Europe strongly believes that youth engagement is critical to build a stronger diabetes community and create a brighter future for all, including PwD.
Click here to read the stories of young PwD speaking up for mental health
International Nurses Day: A voice to lead
The global campaign launched this year by the International Council of Nurses on International Nurses Day, focused on “Investing in nursing and respecting nurses’ rights to secure global health”.
The theme reflects the current crucial need to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to build resilient health systems.
Nurses are one of the most important healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care. They take on many different roles and responsibilities that range from administering and/or prescribing medication; screening; providing health and psychological advice; providing educational support and more. However, nurses face important barriers to care for PwD in the most optimal way due to a lack of resources which create a vicious cycle of shortage of nurses and lack of knowledge, leading in turn to a lack of time in adequately caring for people.
On International Nurses Day, IDF Europe called for the following actions:
Increase investment in nursing education and infrastructure
Increase the nurse workforce
Provide greater involvement of nurse leaders in healthcare organisations
Read more here
European Public Health Week
A healthy and health literate
youth
On May 16, day one of the European Public Health Week 2022 focused on “A healthy and health literate youth”.
Health literacy is the ability of individuals to understand, critically appraise and use information related to their health. Low health literacy levels influence health knowledge and can have a negative impact on preventive behaviours and on the ability to follow healthcare programmes.
For PwD, self-management is a key component of optimal diabetes management, and it requires continuous education and support. Health literacy is a key driver of self-management behaviours, including physical activity, healthy eating, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring and diabetes self-care-related problem solving. As a result, PwD with high levels of health literacy, are more likely to cope with diabetes self-management challenges compared to those with low health literacy.
Tackling health literacy today, by equipping all people from a young age to be able to access, understand and use information about their health, is crucial to ensure that tomorrow will be more equitable for all.
Read more here
Building resilient health
systems
On May 20, the last day of the European Public Health Week 2022, the focus was on “Building Resilient Health Systems”.
One of the key building blocks of resilient heath systems is a strong primary healthcare system. Primary care systems foster a preventative approach to health and strengthen healthcare systems’ performance by freeing up resources in secondary and tertiary care and reducing healthcare expenditure through earlier action. Primary care is also often the first point of contact between PwD and healthcare professionals, and much of the management of T2D takes place there.
During European Public Health Week, we call on all governments to review and redesign their national models of care, with a view to strengthening primary care. Redesigned primary healthcare systems with experienced and competent HCPs who put the needs of the individual at the centre of their care have the potential to improve the resilience of health systems across Europe and reduce inequalities among countries.
Read more here
EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
DigiCare4You develops digital tools for its screening procedure
DigiCare4You 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. DigiCare4You´s consortium partner, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), developed a digital tool for the project’s two-stage screening procedure, the first step in the identification of people at risk of diabetes and.or hypertension, or as yet undiagnosed. HCPs and participants from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Spain will use the intuitive and easy-to-follow screening tool to enter and view screening data, including information on demographics, lifestyle, medical status and anthropometric measurements.
More information on the screening procedure and tools will be available soon on the DigiCare4You website
MMD ACTIVITIES
MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes, with the support of the MEP Heart Group, hosted a webinar on ‘Supporting ambitious Diabetes and CVD Roadmaps in the context of the Healthier Together - EU NCDs Initiative’
On May 12, 2022, MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes, with the support of the MEP Heart Group, held a webinar on ‘Supporting ambitious Diabetes and CVD Roadmaps in the context of the 'Healthier Together - EU NCD Initiative’. The event brough together Members of the European Parliament active in the area of health, a representative from the European Commission leading on the EU NCDs Initiative, and experts across various aspects of diabetes and CVD prevention, management and care delivery. They discussed how an ambitious EU NCDs Initiative can improve the prevention of diabetes and CVD as well as the health outcomes and quality of life of people living with these conditions in the European Union.
Both communities welcomed the Joint Action on Diabetes and CVD proposed by the European Commission. The participants emphasised that today, more than ever, collaboration, co-creation and mutual respect are needed to build resilient healthcare systems and a better, fairer and more sustainable future for all EU citizens. A broad consensus also emerged that a joint action on areas of synergies between the two conditions will be most beneficial for people living with diabetes and CVD but that it must be accompanied by parallel action on the individual requirements of each disease.
The webinar report and full recording are available on the MMD website here
MMD welcomes two new members - MEP Frédérique Ries and MEP Helmut Geuking!
In our role as the secretariat of the MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes, we are delighted to announce that two more MEPs have recently joined our interest group to elevate diabetes on the public agenda and foster key policy changes that will help improve the quality of life and health outcomes of the 32 million adults living with diabetes in the EU.
Read more here on the MMD website
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