From lived experience to meaningful change:
strengthening the voice of lived experience
In healthcare, expertise comes from professional training, scientific research, clinical experience and practice. But expertise is not limited to professional or clinical knowledge. People living with chronic conditions develop a unique form of expertise through their lived experience, gaining an understanding of what it means to navigate health systems, access care and treatments, manage their health over time, and live with the realities of a health condition beyond clinical settings. This lived experience offers valuable insights into what works, what does not, and what needs to change.
From lived experience to meaningful participation
As a leading voice for patient organisations across Europe, the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) has long championed meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in health policy, research and healthcare. Borislava Ananieva from EPF reflects on why lived experience should be recognised not simply as personal testimony, but as a form of expertise that can help shape better health systems:
“At EPF, we believe that lived experience is one of the most powerful forms of expertise in healthcare. Every person living with a chronic condition or lifelong disease brings unique insights into the
realities of navigating health systems, accessing care, participating in treatment decisions, and managing life beyond a diagnosis. When these experiences are brought together through patient organisations, they become a powerful evidence base that informs policy, research, and healthcare innovation. Lived experience ensures that decisions are grounded in what truly matters to patients, helping to shape more equitable, person-centred health systems across Europe”.
Read more.
Elena Thompson
IDF Social Media and Communication intern
Borislava Ananieva
EPF's Capacity Building Officer
IDF EUROPE, NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
IDF Europe Symposium at EASD 2026: what is the future of diabetes education in the AI era?
As part of the 62nd European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting, IDF Europe will host a symposium in Milan on October 1, exploring how diabetes education can evolve in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
The session will be opened by IDF Europe Regional Chair, Prof. Tadej Battelino and moderated by IDF Europe Board Member and Youth Representative, Uroš Bogdanović.
Bringing together people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), healthcare professionals (HCPs), diabetes educators and health policy experts, the discussion will explore current gaps, opportunities and the potential of AI and digital tools to make diabetes education more person-centred, equitable and effective.
EU Screening Week: an opportunity to showcase your activities
The European Commission will launch the first EU Screening Week from September 29 2026, bringing a European focus to prevention, early detection and health literacy. As part of the initiative, organisations across Europe are encouraged to register activities that support these goals, from screening and health checks to awareness-raising, educational activities and community outreach.
Registering your activities can help highlight the important role organisations play in promoting prevention and early detection in their communities.
Know Your Numbers: bringing integrated health checks to EASD 2026
Building on the recommendations of the Joint Health Checks Task Force, which brings together organisations from the diabetes, cardiovascular, obesity and kidney communities, including IDF Europe, to advance more integrated approaches to prevention and early detection, IDF Europe is putting these recommendations into practice through its Know Your Numbers initiative.
Following the success of the initiative organised in Brussels for World Diabetes Day 2025, IDF Europe will bring its mobile health check unit to the EASD Annual Congress in Milan from September 28 to October 1 2026.
The unit will offer integrated cardio-renal-metabolic health checks to congress delegates and the wider public, including blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, Lipoprotein(a) and kidney health assessments.
The initiative will demonstrate how integrated health checks can support prevention, early detection and timely intervention, recognising the close links between diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.
The initiative will also contribute to EU Screening Week, helping translate
Europe’s growing focus on prevention and early detection into practical action.
If you are attending EASD 2026, look out for the Know Your Numbers mobile unit outside the congress venue in Milan and come along for a free health check.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
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IDF Europe welcomes IDF Europe welcomes the proposed European Biotech Act, which could help accelerate the development of therapies and technologies that can improve diabetes care and outcomes across Europe. |
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IDF Europe calls for medical device regulation centred on safety and lived experience As negotiations on the revision of the EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) continue, IDF Europe has been closely following the file, engaging with policymakers and providing input and proposed amendments to help shape the legislative process. |
NEWS FROM EUROPE
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27×27×27 Challenge: running across Europe to raise awareness IDF Europe YOURAH member and diabetes advocate from France, Hakaroa Vallée, took on an extraordinary challenge to raise awareness of diabetes and to fight against the challenges PwD continue to face in employment, physical activity and everyday life. 
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EMA consults on The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a concept paper for consultation on the revision of its Guideline on similar biological medicinal products (biosimilars). Deadline for submissions: October 31, 2026 |
European Commission and EMA workshop on regulatory sandboxes
EMA will host a multi-stakeholder workshop on regulatory sandboxes for medicines on September 21, 2026 in Amsterdam.
The workshop will explore how EU regulatory sandboxes can be implemented under the revised pharmaceutical legislation, how they can operate effectively in practice and how stakeholder input can support the implementation of Europe’s new pharmaceutical framework. The workshop will be live-streamed, allowing a wider audience to follow the discussions and submit questions online.
MEMBERS NEWS
Ireland launches its first national diabetes strategy
Ireland has published its first national diabetes strategy, “Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care”, marking an important step towards strengthening coordinated and person-centred diabetes care across the country.
Developed by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Health Service Executive, HCPs, PwD and other stakeholders, including Diabetes Ireland, the strategy provides a roadmap to improve diabetes prevention, services and support across the life course. IDF Europe welcomes this milestone and continues to call for comprehensive national diabetes plans across Europe, adapted to each country’s context and grounded in equitable access, prevention, early diagnosis and meaningful involvement of PwD.
Insulin on Board Cup brings the diabetes community together
The 8th edition of the Insulin on Board Cup brought together children, young people and adults living with diabetes through football, education and community activities in Warsaw, Poland, on June 27–28.
With 222 players from 25 teams across three countries, the tournament highlighted the role of sport in promoting inclusion, active living and opportunities for PwD to connect and participate. For the third consecutive year, IDF Europe provided honorary patronage to the initiative, which continues to strengthen community and challenge misconceptions around diabetes through sport.
WHAT WE ARE READING
High cost and limited availability of CGM - The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
New evidence highlights the high cost and limited availability of CGM in low- and middle-income countries. The findings underline persistent inequalities in access to diabetes technologies and the need for policies that can improve affordability and availability, ensuring that PwD can benefit from advances in diabetes care. [Read more]
T1D in older populations - The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
As people live longer, ageing brings new challenges for diabetes management and care. This review highlights the specific needs of older people living with T1D, reinforcing the importance of adapting healthcare systems and approaches to an ageing population with increasingly complex care needs. [Read more]
New immune subtypes could shape the future of T1D care - Springer Nature Link
New research identifies distinct immune subtypes in T1D, with differences in disease progression and responses to immunotherapy. The findings support a more personalised understanding of T1D and could contribute to the development of more targeted approaches to treatment and care. [Read more]
T1D diabetes and disordered eating: identifying distinct clinical profiles - Springer Nature Link
New research identifies three distinct clinical profiles of disordered eating in people living with T1D, alongside a framework for assessing clinical severity. The findings could support more precise diagnosis, screening and personalised care pathways, helping HCPs better recognise and address the complex relationship between diabetes and disordered eating. [Read more]
Gender differences in hypoglycaemia - Springer Nature Link
New findings from the Hypo-METRICS study highlight gender differences in the experience of hypoglycaemia among people living with T1D and insulin-treated T2D. While women and men experienced similar levels of hypoglycaemia exposure, women reported more symptomatic episodes per week, highlighting the importance of recognising individual differences in hypoglycaemia and ensuring gender-specific approaches to diabetes management and care. [Read more]
OUR COMMUNITIES
Youth Leadership Lab 2026: empowering the next
generation of diabetes advocates
The IDF YLL 2026 brought together 20 young leaders from 19 countries and eight mentors for a week of learning, collaboration and leadership development in Évora, Portugal. Hosted by the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), the lab combined interactive workshops, group work and peer mentoring, covering topics including communication and engagement, project management, health economics, AI, mental health and advocacy.
Participants also worked together on projects addressing key issues such as access to diabetes technology, stigma around travelling with diabetes and youth-led advocacy, strengthening connections across the European diabetes community. IDF Europe would like to thank everyone who contributed to YLL 2026, including our host APDP, mentors, faculty, speakers and participants, for their time, energy and commitment throughout the programme.
A heartfelt thank you to Joana,
our Youth Programme Coordinator Intern
As Joana embarks on a new professional chapter, we would like to thank her warmly for her support to IDF Europe’s youth programme over the past 18 months. From supporting the organisation of the Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) to helping develop our mentorship programme, Joana has made a real contribution, always with dedication, efficiency and a quiet determination to make things happen. While we are sad to see her move on, we are delighted that she intends to remain closely connected to IDF Europe and YOURAH. We wish her every success and happiness in her new position and look forward to staying connected!
International Youth Day: different contexts, common aspirations
This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, strongly resonated with the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) 2026. Young people living with diabetes face very different realities depending on healthcare systems, access to treatment and technology, culture and personal circumstances.
Yet, they share common aspirations: equitable access to quality care, less stigma, stronger support, meaningful opportunities to be heard and a better future. The YLL encourages young people to listen to different experiences, learn from one another and use their voices to turn shared aspirations into action.
T2GETHER 2026 Summit: applications are now open
Applications are now open for the T2GETHER 2026 Summit, an opportunity for people living with T2D to connect with peers from across Europe and strengthen their skills and confidence in diabetes advocacy.
T2GETHER is IDF Europe’s community for people living with T2D, created to amplify their voices and support meaningful involvement in diabetes advocacy. Before applying, please read the Call for Applications carefully, which provides full details on the Summit, eligibility criteria and application process.
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
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World Humanitarian Day On World Humanitarian Day (August 19), IDF Europe recognised the humanitarian workers and volunteers supporting communities affected by conflict, displacement and disasters. In 2026, an estimated 239 million people will require humanitarian assistance worldwide, while funding constraints have disrupted thousands of health facilities. For PwD, disruptions to healthcare, supply chains and essential services can make it particularly difficult to access the care and resources needed to manage their condition. Ensuring continuity of diabetes care should therefore be an essential part of humanitarian responses. 
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World Hepatitis Day On World Hepatitis Day (July 28), IDF Europe raised awareness of the links between chronic viral hepatitis and T2D. Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) can cause long-term liver damage and are associated with an increased risk of developing T2D. People living with HCV may have up to a three times higher risk of developing T2D. Evidence also suggests a link between HBV-related liver complications, particularly cirrhosis, and an increased risk of T2D. Prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to reducing the impact of both conditions. HBV vaccination, appropriate care and regular T2D screening for people living with chronic hepatitis can help improve health outcomes. 
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World Brain Day
On World Brain Day (23 July), IDF Europe highlighted the link between diabetes and brain health. People living with T2D have a 60–70% higher risk of developing dementia, while people living with T1D have an increased risk estimated to be around 50% higher.
Cognitive changes can also make diabetes self-management more challenging, highlighting the importance of early recognition and appropriate support. The recently concluded Horizon 2020-funded RECOGNISED project, in which IDF Europe was a partner, recently published findings suggesting that non-invasive retinal assessments combined with clinical information could help identify mild cognitive impairment earlier in people living with T2D.
EU RESEARCH PROJECTS
MOVEUP project
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 (CHCs) through tailored sport that promotes fun, inclusive environments and supports better health.
MOVEUP in Brussels: making physical activity accessible
The summer edition of MOVEUP - Je Bouge Pour Ma Forme is underway in Brussels, bringing together people living with T2D and other chronic health conditions in a welcoming and supportive environment. Previous participants and coaches Mia and Sabine, from Liege, explain how the programme has helped build participants’ confidence, improve their well-being and create connections. Through MOVEUP’s Train-the-Trainer model, coaches have been trained to deliver the programme in Brussels, helping more people with chronic health conditions benefit from inclusive physical activity.
New infographic: making sports events more inclusive
As one MOVEUP project’s outputs, IDF Europe has developed an infographic with practical recommendations for organisations, coaches and volunteers on creating sports events that are safe, accessible, person-centred, adaptable and stigma-free. The guide highlights how thoughtful planning and support can help people living with CHCs overcome barriers to physical activity.
MOVEUP Final Dissemination Event
The MOVEUP project will hold its Final Dissemination Event in Brussels on October 13 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00, at NH Berlaymont, Brussels, Belgium. It will bring together project partners, stakeholders and supporters to explore the project’s activities, achievements and key results and discuss how inclusive sport and physical activity can support health and well-being.
DigiCare4You updates
IDF Europe was proud to be part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project, which aimed to improve the early prevention and management of T2D and HTN.
New Spanish video on healthy eating
DigiCare4You has released a new Spanish-language video highlighting the role of healthy eating in preventing and managing T2D and hypertension. The video offers practical advice on limiting foods high in saturated fats, sugar, salt and alcohol to help support healthy blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
Final DigiCare4You newsletter
The sixth and final edition of the DigiCare4You newsletter is now available, featuring reflections from the Project Coordinator and Project Manager, alongside a summary of the project’s key findings, results and final updates.
ISLET project featured by the European
Commission’s CORDIS platform
The European Commission’s CORDIS platform has featured the recently concluded ISLET project in a new Results in Brief article, highlighting how EU-funded research has advanced innovative approaches that could shape the future of T1D care.
ISLET brought together researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience from across Europe to explore stem cell-based therapies aimed at restoring insulin-producing cells, bringing this research closer to potential clinical application. As a project partner, IDF Europe worked to ensure that the experiences, needs and priorities of PwD were reflected throughout the research process, supporting a person-centred approach to research and innovation.
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE) - International Conference
September 10-12, Istanbul, Türkiye
Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND) - Annual Conference
September 25-26, Milan, Italy
European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 62nd Annual Meeting
Milan, September 28 - October 2, 2026 | For more information, click here
International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) - 52nd Annual Conference November 4-7, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
EU Screening Week
September 29 - October 2, Europe-wide.
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