Author: ΕΔΕ

TRANSFORMING LIFE WITH DIABETES – LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Each year on November 14 we mark World Diabetes Day (WDD) – an opportunity to celebrate our community and bring people together to raise awareness of diabetes and advocate for better prevention, care and support, reflecting on the progress still needed to ensure that everyone living with diabetes can live long, fulfilling lives.

Despite continued advances in diabetes care, many unmet needs persist. One in three people living with diabetes (PwD) remain undiagnosed, access to new therapies and technologies is unequal across countries and too
often opportunities for early detection and prevention of diabetes and its complications are missed. Additionally, the strong link between diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and other chronic conditions, highlights the need for shared solutions to tackle their common risk factors and provide effective treatment and support.

This WDD, IDF Europe is joining forces with partners, PwD, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and policy makers to celebrate the day through a series of events and initiatives inspired by our new vision: “From early detection to cure – transforming life with diabetes through innovation, leaving no one behind”. Together, we will explore
key topics including mental health, the unique needs of women living with diabetes, prevention, early detection and the connections between diabetes, obesity and CVD. We will also highlight the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines and technologies, revamping our healthcare systems and advancing research into unmet needs in diabetes including its causes, progression and long-term impact.

Continue reading our October newsletter to explore our WDD activities, learn more about our work and join us in raising awareness of diabetes.

YOUTH PLATFORM

The sound of diabetes

Members of our YOURAH network of young diabetes advocates created the video “The Sound of Diabetes,” which shines a light on the everyday challenges faced by young PwD. Through moments captured from their daily lives, the video highlights the impact of diabetes on mental health and the challenges they navigate each day.

MEMBER NEWS

Highlights from the Slovenian Diabetes Association

From the ‘Alojz Rudolf Memorial Hike’ to the ‘Sweet Forum – My Sweetest Victory’ and the youth-focused ‘Live a Sweet (Life)!’ programme, these events showcased the power of movement, knowledge and community in fostering a healthier society.

Polish Senate Health Committee meeting on diabetes care

Sabine Dupont, IDF Europe’s Director of Strategy & Policy, and members and representatives from both associations emphasised the fact that expanding access to CGM can empower PwD, support better self-management, lower the risk of diabetes-related complications and improve their quality of life.

IDF EUROPE NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

IDF Europe at the JACARDI General Assembly

On October 14, IDF Europe Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, attended the JACARDI (Joint Action for CVD & DIAbetes) General Assembly in Madrid, where she joined a roundtable discussion on strengthening collaboration in diabetes and CVD prevention and management. She emphasised the important role of patient and civil society organisations in shaping effective responses.

Learn about the Heart & Kidney Health Alliance

Event report: IDF Europe symposium on integrated care

IDF Europe at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

The 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe took place in Copenhagen, Denmark from October 28-30. IDF Europe Chair Elect, Prof. João Raposo, Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont and Project Coordinator, Cameron Keighron, joined the event and contributed oral and written statements the following agenda items:

8. Child and
adolescent health and well-being

9. Harnessing innovation for public health

10. Promoting a lifetime of health and well-being (healthy ageing)

12. Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

IDF EUROPE WORLD DIABETES DAY ACTIVITIES 2025

Each year, November 14 marks World Diabetes Day – a key opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes and the policy actions that are needed to ensure the well-being of PwD and those at risk. This year, IDF Europe will host a series of events under the umbrella of our vision: “From early detection to cure – transforming life with diabetes through innovation, leaving no one behind.”

Mobile health unit event: “Know your numbers”

UNDERSTANDING DIABETES

HEALTH-RELATED NEWS

European Commission | The role of healthcare in reducing inequalities and poverty in the EU

A new report by the European Commission published under the EU4Health Action highlights the critical role of public healthcare coverage in reducing poverty and inequality across the EU. The report underscores the importance of strengthening evidence-based policymaking to build fairer, more resilient healthcare systems. Read more

EuroHealthNet | Social inequalities in health in the EU

A new EuroHealthNet report, developed with the CHAIN Centre for Health Equity Analytics, reveals stark social inequalities in health across Europe. Nearly one in three Europeans rate their health as fair or poor, with lower education groups twice as likely to experience poor health. The number of people living with chronic diseases, including diabetes, is rising, with many living with multiple long-term conditions. The report calls for a whole-of-government approach to address the social determinants of health and ensure equitable, high-quality health systems for all. Read more

European Commission | Statement by Commissioner Várhelyi on World Mental Health Day 2025

On World Mental Health Day, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Oliver Várhelyi, underscored mental health as a foundation for well-being and societal resilience, with particular attention to children, young people and HCPs. This year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights the importance of continuous and accessible mental health care, even during crises. Read more

READINGS ON DIABETES

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.

Each month, the IDF Europe Newsletter presents a chapter from Readings on Diabetes, which can be downloaded in full here.

8. BOISSIER DE SAUVAGES AND THE SEVEN NAMES OF DIABETES

François Boissier de Sauvages de Lacroix (1706–1767) was a pioneering physician who applied the principles of botanical classification to medicine, creating one of the first systematic disease classifications.

In Chapter VIII of Nosologia Methodica, he explores diabetes in striking detail, identifying seven distinct types – ranging from sweet, honey-like urine in Anglian diabetes, to hysteria-linked cases, diet-related “wine diabetes” and forms associated with gout or fever. Each type came with its own symptoms, from
muscle weakness to excessive thirst and weight loss.

Boissier’s work offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century medicine, revealing the early efforts to understand and classify a complex disease long before modern tools and knowledge.

EU RESEARCH PROJECTS

MOVEUP: understanding the role of physical activity in managing chronic conditions

As part of the project’s early activities, IDF Europe completed a literature review examining how physical activity and sport can contribute to improved health, well-being and quality of life for people living with chronic conditions. The review also explores approaches to support greater participation, identifying barriers, facilitators and good practices across Europe. These insights will inform the next phase of the project, supporting the development of tools and strategies to make physical activity more inclusive and sustainable for people living with chronic health conditions.

NEWS FROM TRIALS@HOME

Over the past years, IDF Europe has been part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) project, Trials@Home, which explores the implementation of decentralised clinical trials (DCTs), where the trial is carried out remotely from participants’ homes to improve accessibility, representativeness, effectiveness and efficiency. By reducing the need for site visits, DCTs aim to enhance the overall trial experience for participants.

During the meetings, Sabine and T2D advocate and PEP member, Erik Werson, presented the group’s work and emphasised the importance of formally involving people with lived experience in research initiatives such as Trials@Home. They also shared preliminary findings from a study within the project that explores the benefits, barriers and best practices for meaningful engagement of people with lived experience in research.

PEP Member, João Nabais, also participated in a panel discussing the project’s final recommendations, with a focus
on his part on patient preferences.

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