Advocating for awareness, access and equality in diabetes care
Starting with this newsletter edition, we are excited to open our editorials to special guests from the IDF Europe community. For this issue, we are pleased to feature Konstantina Taki, a Medical Doctor and Diabetes Advocate from Greece and a member of our YOURAH network, who shares her perspective on improving the lives of people living with diabetes (PwD) across Europe.
I have been living with diabetes for almost 20 years. It has shaped my identity and influenced my life in countless ways. I could speak endlessly about diabetes – sharing my experiences, challenges and insights – something I actively do through my advocacy work. However, if I had to identify the root cause of the barriers PwD face, it would be the widespread lack of awareness.
Today, diabetes remains widely misunderstood. There is a blurred perception of what diabetes really is, particularly Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and how those of us living with it manage the condition daily. As a result, many of us hide their condition to “fit in,” avoiding the risk of being treated differently. But there is an essential distinction that needs to be made: being respected and having our needs met is not the same as being treated as an individual with "special needs."
For example, it would make a significant difference globally if PwD were granted additional health-related leave days at work – without having to reach the point of diabetes burnout to justify them. Managing an often-invisible disease can make us question our own rights, even though we are continuously battling a serious health condition.
As a healthcare professional (HCP), a diabetes advocate and someone with lived experience, I approach diabetes from a holistic perspective. My advocacy journey has made me realise how often I, too, have been dismissive of my own condition, struggling to find the courage to claim my rights. I fight hard to reverse this internalised behaviour, but it is a challenge. The first time I felt completely free with my diabetes was during the IDF Youth Leadership Lab in Ub, Serbia.
The power of visibility and access
We live in an era where information is consumed at an unprecedented pace. Raising awareness about diabetes is easier than ever before, yet representation and visibility remain crucial. PwD must have a voice – one that reflects their lived reality.
However, awareness alone is not enough. Access to healthcare and essential medicines and devices remains a fundamental issue. The disparities in diabetes care worldwide are staggering. While some have seamless access to insulin and advanced technologies, others struggle with unaffordable insulin prices or hospitals that are hours away. How can we speak of equality in diabetes care when 50% of PwD globally lack access to insulin – the very substance that keeps them alive?
Living with diabetes follows a hierarchy of needs, much like Maslow’s. The foundation is access to life-saving medication and healthcare. Beyond this, education and awareness improve quality of life. But true freedom comes when our health rights are universally secured. While I feel privileged to speak from a position of relative safety regarding my own access to care, that does not mean we should stop striving for better. There is still so much more to be done.
A call for action
Prevention is always more effective – and more cost-efficient – than treatment. Ensuring access to medicines, technologies and education for PwD not only improves their quality of life but also helps prevent complications which place a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Investing in new technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) is far more sustainable than treating preventable complications.
Diabetes is not a punishment. It is a condition that millions across the globe live with every day. It is time to open our eyes – and our empathy – to their struggles. If every policymaker could experience just one day in the life of a person living with diabetes, I have no doubt that our rights and needs would be secured the very next day.
Until that day comes, advocacy remains essential. I hope to look back on this piece in the future and see that meaningful progress has been made.
Konstantina Taki
Medical Doctor, MSc(c) Clinical Diabetology
Diabetes Advocate
YOUTH PLATFORM
Applications are open for the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab 2025!
Are you between 18 and 30 years old and would like to become part of a dynamic community of young diabetes advocates?
Join the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) 2025!
The YLL was launched in 2011 and it is aimed at creating a strong pan-European network of young diabetes advocates. Each year, around 24 young advocates (aged 18-30) from IDF Europe’s member associations are invited to take part in this transformative experience.
This year, the YLL 2025 will take place in Parma, Italy, from July 6-12, hosted by AGD Parma in collaboration with the Italian Association of Athletes Living with Diabetes (ANIAD).
Do not miss out on a week filled with hands-on workshops, community events, training sessions, networking opportunities and much more!
We wish to thank AGD Parma and ANIAD for their dedication in making this event a success.
The application deadline is March 21!
Apply now and be part of this life-changing experience!
MEMBER NEWS
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hellenic Diabetes Association
APDP President, Dr. Boavida, discusses “Diabetes as a consequence of society’s evolution” in a recent interview
The Bulgarian Diabetes Association to host the 2025 European Futsal Championship for Diabetes (DiaEuro)
READINGS ON DIABETES
We deal with the management of diabetes on a daily basis as people with lived experience or healthcare professionals; 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 milestones in diabetes, 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.
1.BEGINNINGS: FROM PHARAOS TO PARACELSUS
The story of diabetes is a journey from mystical affliction to medical curiosity, with each era contributing fragments to our understanding of the disease. It begins in ancient Egypt, with references found in the Ebers Papyrus (1534 BC) where symptoms such as excessive thirst, hunger and urination were linked to divine interventions. In the sixth century BC, the physician Sushruta calls diabetes "honey urine", after noticing ants drawn to its sweetness.
Greek and Roman physicians expand the understanding of the condition, with Hippocrates (460-370 BC), Aristotle (384-322 BC) and Galen (129-216) connecting diabetes symptoms to fluid imbalances in the body. The term "diabetes" itself is coined by Apollonius of Memphis (3rd century BC) to describe fluids "passing through" the body. In the first century AC, Aretaeus of Cappadocia (1st century AD) fully justifies the name of the disease by linking diabetes to a siphon draining the body's strength.
In the Middle Ages, Avicenna (980-1037) advances the conversation, introducing the idea of sweet urine linked to a liver dysfunction. Finally, in the Renaissance, Paracelsus (1493-1541) proposes diabetes as a systemic disease caused by altered blood chemistry.
Are you curious to learn how the long quest to understand diabetes began? Explore this fascinating story in Chapter One of Readings on Diabetes.
IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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IDF Europe We recently released our Annual Report for 2024, a very busy year for the diabetes community during which we remained committed to improving the lives of PwD and those at risk. You can now read all about our key programmes and initiatives from 2024, including:
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IDF Europe at BR1DGE Summit On 17-18 February, IDF Europe took part in the BR1DGE Summit in Barcelona, a high-level meeting that brought together people living with T1D, HCPs and other stakeholders to discuss advancements in the early detection of T1D. Advocates and people with lived experience had a seat at the table, directly shaping the conversation. This opportunity allowed them to deepen their knowledge of the topic and contribute to discussions shaping future developments in T1D care. This collaborative approach highlighted the importance of putting the perspective of the diabetes community at the center of the decision-making processes. 
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News from the IDF Europe Team
We are delighted to announce that T1D Advocate, Joana Amorim, has joined our team as Youth Programme Coordinator Intern.
With a background in Marketing Management, Joana combines communication and innovation to drive meaningful change. As IDF Europe Youth Programme Coordinator, she is committed to fostering a global network of young leaders, empowering them in diabetes advocacy and leadership while ensuring a sense of belonging and achievement.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Adam Gyurcsik, former Youth Programme Coordinator, who left our team to pursue other educational opportunities. We are thankful for his precious contribution to the work of IDF Europe and the diabetes community, and we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavours!
IDF EUROPE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION WORK
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World Cancer Day 2025: interview with NCD Advocate, Cajsa Lindberg On February 4, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, we released an interview with NCD Advocate, Cajsa Lindberg, who shared her experience of living with multiple chronic conditions. In the interview, she explains why access to person-centred care is key for helping people living with cancer, diabetes and other NCDs live long and fulfilling lives. 
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Understanding the On International Epilepsy Day, we shared information about the complex, bidirectional relationship between diabetes and epilepsy. Improving our understanding and raising awareness of their interplay is essential for developing effective and comprehensive care strategies that improve the quality of life for people living with both conditions. 
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Interview with Nicole Rogers on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science February 11 marked the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To celebrate this special day, we spoke with Nicole Katarina Rogers, a PhD student at the Helmholtz Centre in Munich, who is researching stem cells in the field of diabetes. Nicole is one of the scientists working on ISLET – an EU-funded project that seeks to generate islet cells to replace those destroyed in people living with T1D to restore insulin production. In her message, she encourages and inspires more women to pursue careers in science. 
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World Day of Social Justice: strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future On World Day of Social Justice, we highlighted the significant impact of social determinants on people's lives. According to WHO, these factors account for 30–55% of health outcomes. For example, education levels are closely linked to diabetes risk and people with lower education are 2.4 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes (T2D). By designing healthier environments, engaging communities and providing holistic, person-centred care, we can help reduce these inequalities and promote better health among PwD and those at risk. 
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Rare Disease Day
On February 28 we celebrated Rare Disease Day by raising awareness of rare genetic disorders linked to diabetes. While diabetes is the most common hormonal and endocrine disorder, some of its subtypes fall under the category of rare diseases, including mitochondrial diabetes, neonatal diabetes and MODY.
Due to the rarity of these conditions, people often face long diagnostic journeys, with symptoms frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Many also require lifelong management and highly specialised treatments that may not be widely accessible.
More research is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment. Engaging more people living with these rare forms of diabetes in research is crucial to address their unmet needs and improve care for all.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
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World Health Organization 156th Executive Board: key discussions The 156th WHO Executive Board (EB) meeting took place from February 3-11 in Geneva, bringing together global health leaders to address pressing health challenges and shape the WHO’s strategic direction for the coming years. With the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs scheduled for late 2025, this EB session set future priorities and strategies. Key discussions focused on progress in tackling NCDs like diabetes, WHO’s role in health emergency preparedness and response, and the global shortage of healthcare workers. IDF Europe closely followed the sessions and published an overview of key discussions and takeaways on topics relevant to the diabetes community. 
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EU4Health Civil Society Alliance event: unlocking Europe’s future On March 26, the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance will hold an event at the European Parliament on the need to prioritise health under the next Multiannual Financial Framework to unlock Europe's future. Following the one billion cut in the total budget of the EU4Health Programme announced in 2024, the event will focus on the importance of sustainable funding for health-focused CSOs. Improving the resilience of our healthcare systems and ensuring their ability to respond to future crises requires continuous and sustained action. The event will be hosted by MEPs Tilly Metz, Stine Bosse, Vytenis Andriukaitis and András Kulja. 
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Results from the OECD Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) The Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) is an OECD initiative where countries work together on developing, standardising and implementing a new generation of indicators that measure the outcomes and experiences of healthcare that matter most to people. The results from the first international survey of primary care patients aged 45 years and older, with a focus on people living with chronic conditions, have now been published. Key findings reveal that people are living longer but not necessarily better lives; targeted strategies can improve health outcomes even with lower health spending; women live longer than men but report poorer physical and mental health; and countries should leverage the potential of technology to improve health outcomes. 
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WHO Europe launches On February 25, WHO Europe launched its 2024 European Health Report. Published every three years, these reports provide an overview of the European population’s health status and an analysis of progress towards health policy goals and targets to identify priority areas for action and opportunities for improvement. The new report highlights that while some progress has been made, the European Region should accelerate efforts to tackle urgent health challenges, including improving prevention and care for chronic conditions, which remain a leading cause of premature death and disability. Accelerating action to tackle the root causes of NCDs remains crucial. 
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EU-FUNDED PROJECTS
ASSESS-DHT: new publication on safe AI-enabled digital health technologies
IDF Europe is part of the Horizon 2020 ASSESS-DHT project, which aims to boost the adoption of trustworthy and effective Digital Health Technologies (DHT) across Europe.
ASSESS-DHT consortium members recently published a new article in Nature Medicine on the importance of integrating transparent and mandatory feedback-collection mechanisms into AI-enabled digital health technology interfaces for holistic development and user safety. According to the publication, these mechanisms could:
- Enhance user safety by identifying issues early
Build trust for faster adoption in healthcare systems
Streamline approvals with real-world evidence
MMD NEWS
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MMD welcomes a new member – MEP Elena Nevado Del Campo MEP Elena Nevado Del Campo (EPP, Spain), a strong advocate for health and equality, recently joined the MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes (MMD) Interest Group. As Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly and an active member of various committees, including the Committee on Public Health (SANT), she brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to advancing person-centred health policies. The MMD Group looks forward to working with MEP Nevado Del Campo to ensure that citizens, particularly PwD, remain at the core of EU health policy development. 
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MMD welcomes a new member – MEP Laurent Castillo MEP Laurent Castillo (EPP, France), an experienced HCP, has also recently joined the MMD Group. MEP Castillo serves as Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries and is a member of several committees, including SANT. With his professional background as a medical doctor, he brings strong expertise to the MMD Group and a commitment to improving EU citizens’ health, with a particular focus on NCDs prevention. The MMD Group looks forward to working with MEP Castillo to advance health policies that effectively tackle the burden of NCDs, including diabetes. 
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MEP Metz’s white paper on access to quality healthcare
On January 27, MMD Member MEP Tilly Metz hosted an event at the European Parliament to launch her policy white paper, "Making access to quality healthcare a top priority for the EU."
The paper calls for a fundamental shift in healthcare policy, recognising health as a public good and addressing key challenges such as workforce shortages and rising medicine costs. MEP Metz advocates for a One Health approach, stronger EU-driven research and policies that prioritise public health needs.
The MMD Group welcomed the white paper and congratulated MEP Metz on the successful launch event.
UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE
Advanced Technologies and Treatments of Diabetes (ATTD) 18th International Conference
Amsterdam, March 19-22, 2025 | For more information, click here
EU4Health Civil Society Alliance event: "Unlocking Europe's future: prioritising health under the next Multiannual Financial Framework"
European Parliament, Brussels, March 26 | For more information, click here
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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