 Accelerating diabetes innovation in Europe:getting it right for people living with diabetesDiabetes is a complex, lifelong condition requiring 24/7 self-management across every aspect of daily life. To manage their condition, people living with diabetes (PwD) need access to a range of products and services, including insulin and other medicines, self-management technologies and supplies, structured education, mental health support, regular screening for complications and integrated, person-centred care. Over the past years, innovations such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and advanced insulin delivery systems, digital health tools, new therapies and screening approaches have significantly improved the lives of PwD. However, many unmet needs remain across the full spectrum of diabetes care from primary prevention and early Promising new approaches have emerged that could transform diabetes prevention and care in the coming decades and help address these unmet needs. These include, for example, cell and gene-based replacement therapies, next-generation insulins and novel AI-driven technologies, all of which hold real potential to significantly improve quality of life for PwD. Europe is uniquely positioned to lead this new wave of This is where the EU Biotech Act, currently under development at EU level, becomes a pivotal opportunity. The legislation will help define the future If designed with people at the centre and a focus on accessibility, affordability and equity, it can strengthen Europe’s position in biomedical innovation and ensure that people benefit from new therapies more quickly and more equitably. This means ensuring that people with lived experience are meaningfully involved in shaping the direction of innovation, that new therapies translate into real improvements in daily life and that their access is made equal within and between countries. It also requires a clearer focus on where innovation is most needed, ensuring that research and investment are directed towards addressing real unmet needs. Europe has the capacity to lead the next era of diabetes care, but real success will depend on getting it right: ensuring that innovation reaches the people it is meant to serve and that people with lived experience are engaged from the start.   Martina Boccardo Carmen Hurtado del Pozo IDF EUROPE, NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTSDiabetes Ireland Conference & Exhibition 2026 IDF Europe was pleased to participate in the Diabetes Ireland Conference & Exhibition 2026 (DICE2026), represented by Sabine Dupont, Director of Strategy and Policy. The event brought together HCPs, policymakers and diabetes stakeholders to discuss the future of diabetes care in Ireland.  A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the National Diabetes Policy and Services Review by Minister for Health Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, setting out priorities for diabetes care in the years ahead. Discussions focused on adult, paediatric and gestational diabetes, innovation in care, and the integration of services to improve outcomes for PwD. WHO/Europe’s Public Health Innovation Platform IDF Europe is pleased to be part of the WHO/Europe Public Health Innovation Platform, a collaborative initiative bringing together representatives from patient organisations, civil society, academia, industry and public health authorities from across the Region to advance public health innovation. As healthcare systems face increasingly complex challenges, innovation plays a key role in strengthening prevention, improving care pathways and promoting more resilient and equitable health systems. Through this platform, IDF Europe will share insights from the diabetes community, exchange knowledge with partners and contribute to the development of innovative approaches that can improve the lives of PwD and other chronic conditions across Europe. IDF Europe at the “Economics of Obesity and Metabolic Health Summit” IDF Europe’s Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, will speak at the “Economics of Obesity and Metabolic Health Summit” on June 10 at 17:00 in Brussels, taking part in the panel “How can multi-system interventions transform metabolic health?”. The session will explore how socio-economic status, food systems and the built environment contribute to obesity and metabolic risk, and how fiscal, regulatory and educational measures can help create healthier environments and improve prevention and care outcomes. The summit will bring together policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss the economic and social impact of obesity and metabolic health, and to identify effective cross-sector solutions.  Building community consensus for multiple interconected chronic conditions On May 19, a multi-stakeholder, lived-experience-led meeting was hosted by Global Heart Hub and The George Institute for Global Health in Zurich. The event focused on improving integrated care for people living with multiple long-term health conditions.  The discussions brought together organisations from across the non-communicable disease (NCD) community to explore more coordinated, person-centred approaches to care for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver diseases. Representatives from IDF Global and IDF Europe, Sameer Pathan and Elisabeth Dupont, shared insights from European integrated care initiatives and highlighted the importance of stronger primary care, HCP education, the Honouring the legacy of Anne Marie Felton: a tireless advocate for diabetes care in Europe It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Anne Marie Felton, who dedicated more than three decades to advancing diabetes education and improving care for PwD across Europe and beyond. A diabetes specialist nurse and founding member of the Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND), she played a pivotal role in strengthening the voice of diabetes nurses and shaping diabetes policy and education at both European and global level. Her longstanding contribution to the wider diabetes community leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.  MEMBER NEWS
Submit a nomination for the 2026-28 cohort of the Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme The Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme was established by the International Diabetes Federation to empower young PwD to champion their cause and represent others globally living with the condition. We are pleased to announce that IDF has opened applications for the new YLD Cohort 2026. We invite you to nominate up to two candidates in this link: Join us for an information webinar to find out more about the programme and for participants to be guided through the nomination and application process on May 29 from 14:00 to 16:30 CEST.  IDF Europe at the San Marino Diabetes Congress On May 29–30, the San Marino Association of People with Diabetes, Vivere Meglio (“Living Better”), organised an international congress focused on advancing person-centred diabetes care. The programme was co-developed by IDF Europe in collaboration with the Congress President, Riccardo Venturini, and the Scientific Lead, Paolo Di Bartolo.  The event brought together diabetes advocates, HCPs, national associations and other experts to exchange perspectives on the future of diabetes care. Discussions focused on high-quality, integrated and person-centred care, the role of key stakeholders, the social impact of diabetes, and the importance of innovation, equity and personalised approaches to care. IDF Europe’s representatives, Prof. Tadej Battelino, Stella de Sabata and Martina Boccardo, joined the event, and presented IDFE’s work on advancing PwD’s rights and amplifying the voice of diabetes community in policy, research and advocacy. We thank Vivere Meglio for their collaboration and are pleased to welcome them as a new IDF provisional member. We look forward to building on this successful cooperation and deepening our engagement in the future. YOUTH PLATFORM
MMD NEWSThe MMD Group welcomes MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta) The MMD Group is pleased to welcome Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta) as a new member. MEP Attard serves as Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iran and is an active member of several key parliamentary committees, including TRAN, ITRE and REGI, as well as multiple delegations focused on international relations. With a background in diplomacy, local government and journalism, he brings extensive experience to his work in the European Parliament. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, MEP We look forward to his contribution to advancing inclusive and patient-centred policies across Europe. WHAT WE ARE READINGDiabetes-related complications: an evolving spectrum – The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Diabetes complications are increasingly understood as a complex and evolving spectrum, reflecting the growing impact of multimorbidity and long-term metabolic risk. The article highlights the need for more integrated, preventive and patient-centred approaches to care, as well as health systems that can better respond to the changing reality of diabetes management. Read more Ireland strengthens equitable access to assistive technology – WHO assessment Ireland is making progress in improving equitable access to assistive technology, according to a new WHO assessment. The findings highlight steps taken to strengthen policy and service delivery, while also pointing to remaining challenges around affordability and availability. Ensuring access to assistive technology remains key to advancing inclusion and universal health coverage. Read more CGM vs self-monitoring in T2D – The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology New evidence from a randomised clinical trial adds to existing research showing that CGM improves glycaemic management compared to traditional self-monitoring in people with T2D. These findings further support the role of digital tools in enabling more personalised and effective diabetes care. Read more. Read more UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
EU RESEARCH PROJECTS
DigiCare4You updates IDF Europe is proud to be part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project, which aims to improve early prevention and management of T2D and HTN. DigiCare4You final event’s video Discover the key moments from the second DigiCare4You workshop in a new video, showcasing the final event held on April 29 in Brussels. Bringing together policymakers, public health leaders, healthcare experts and PwD, the event explored innovative solutions for the prevention and management of T2D and HTN, as well as opportunities for future implementation at national level.  Webinar: “From pilot to policy: scaling The DigiCare4You interactive webinar, held on May 19, brought together experts and stakeholders to explore how the project is moving beyond pilot initiatives toward real policy-level impact in the prevention and management of NCD such as T2D and HTN. The session showcased key findings and results from the project, alongside practical insights into how digital health interventions can be implemented and scaled within national health systems. Through expert presentations and dynamic discussions, participants exchanged views on both the challenges and DiaPs: a new digital peer support tool for sport and diabetes We are excited to support the launch of DiaPS, a new digital peer-support app designed to empower people living with T1D to participate in sport safely and confidently. Developed as part of the EU-funded DiaPS project, the app was co-created with people living with T1D and brings together athletes, coaches, HCPs, families and researchers in one dedicated space. The app offers trusted information on sport and diabetes, peer-to-peer support, opportunities to share lived experiences, and personalised connections within a free and accessible platform for the wider community. As DiaPS officially launches, we are also looking for motivated community members to become verified users and active contributors within the platform. Interested in becoming a verified user? READINGS ON DIABETESReadings 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. Each month, the IDF Europe Newsletter presents a chapter from Readings on Diabetes, which can be downloaded in full here. 15. Charles Dotter: Diabetes Vasculopaty This chapter tells the story of Charles Dotter, a visionary American radiologist whose ideas would quietly transform the future of vascular medicine. At a time when diabetes-related vascular complications often led to amputation, Dotter began questioning whether blocked arteries could be treated in a completely different way. Driven by curiosity and persistence, he explored new techniques that many of his colleagues considered impossible or even dangerous. Through one particularly challenging case involving an elderly woman living Blending medical history with innovation and human resilience, the chapter highlights how one bold idea opened the door to new possibilities for PwD and cardiovascular complications. Are you curious to learn about the long quest to understand diabetes? Explore this fascinating story in Chapter 15 of Readings on Diabetes.  UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS EUROPELiver Disease Prevention Village by ELPA “Economics of Obesity and Metabolic Health Summit” European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 62nd Annual Meeting IDF Europe Symposium at EASD 2026 Follow us on social media! Make sure to follow us to stay up to date with our latest news and events:        Do you want to know more about IDF Europe’s news and events? Please confirm that you are still happy to hear from us!  |
