Supporting people living with diabetes in times of crises
The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela this month have claimed lives, destroyed homes and infrastructure and left countless communities facing an uncertain future. At IDF Europe, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy, particularly the estimated 1.6 million people living with diabetes (PwD) in Venezuela, for whom the consequences of a humanitarian crisis extend far beyond the immediate disaster.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has responded rapidly, working closely with its member associations in Venezuela, the IDF South and Central
America Region, Direct Relief and other humanitarian partners to help strengthen access to essential diabetes medicines and supplies as humanitarian needs evolve. These efforts reflect a simple but vital principle: PwD must not be forgotten in times of crisis.
The situation in Venezuela also reminds us of a much broader challenge. Around the world, armed conflicts, extreme weather events, natural disasters and displacement are placing unprecedented pressure on vulnerable populations, health systems and humanitarian organisations alike. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that by the end of May 2026, more
than 252 million people were estimated to be in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection worldwide. As humanitarian needs continue to grow, it is essential that preparedness and response efforts fully recognise the needs of people living with chronic conditions, including diabetes.
For PwD, these disruptions can have profound consequences for both their immediate and long-term health. Damage to healthcare facilities, disrupted supply chains, power outages and displacement can interrupt access to insulin, diabetes medications, glucose monitoring supplies, healthcare professionals (HCPs), wound care and reliable, safe sources of food, while routine healthcare
services, including screening, early detection and follow-up care may also be disrupted. These interruptions can make diabetes more difficult to manage, increasing the risk of serious complications. Humanitarian crises can also take a significant psychological toll, compounding diabetes distress, anxiety and depression that many people already experience while managing their condition. While emergency responses rightly focus on rescue, shelter and basic necessities, continuity of care for chronic conditions must also be recognised as an essential humanitarian priority.
This is why preparedness matters. Humanitarian planning must extend beyond the
immediate emergency to ensure that PwD continue to receive the care they need before, during and after a crisis. Preparedness requires resilient health systems, protected supply chains and reliable access to essential medicines and diabetes technologies. It also requires equipping PwD with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition during emergencies, supporting psychological well-being and ensuring that chronic conditions are integrated into emergency preparedness and humanitarian response plans from the outset.
Our thoughts remain with the people of Venezuela as rescue and recovery efforts continue. We also
recognise the extraordinary dedication of HCPs, volunteers, humanitarian organisations and local diabetes associations working tirelessly to support affected communities. Together, we must continue advocating for humanitarian responses that protect not only lives, but also the continuity of care that PwD depend on every day.
Marian Brennan
IDF Europe Communication & Engagement Manager
IDF EUROPE, NEWS, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
IDF Europe Symposium at EASD 2026: “What is the future of diabetes education in the AI era?”
On October 1, IDF Europe will hold a symposium at the 62nd EASD Annual Meeting, in Milan.
The event will bring together people living with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), HCPs, educators and experts to explore how diabetes education can be redesigned for the digital age. Through diverse perspectives, speakers will examine both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI and technology into diabetes self-management, with the goal of improving outcomes and quality of life through effective, equitable and person-centred education.
Highlighting integrated care and innovation at
EMA cardiovascular workshop
During EMA’s multistakeholder workshop on supporting innovation in cardiovascular medicines and medical devices in the EU on July 1-2, João Valente Nabais, former IDF Europe President, gave a presentation highlighting the interconnectedness between diabetes, cardiovascular, renal and liver diseases and the need for holistic, person-centred prevention and management approaches to these conditions. João further highlighted key innovation gaps such as the need to
address disease trajectories and make better use of data and digitalisation.
He also reiterated the importance of ensuring equity in terms of access to care and research through the inclusion of underserved and vulnerable populations. During the two-day meetings, representatives from academia and industry joined HCPs, people with lived experience and other experts to explore the evolving landscape of evidence generation and the role of AI in the development of medicines and medical devices.
Advancing engagement of people with lived experience and HCPs at EMA joint working party meeting
On June 30-July 1, Sabine Dupont attended EMA’s Patients’ and Consumers’ Working Party (PCWP) and Healthcare Professionals’ Working Party (HCPWP) joint meeting. Over two days, the group discussed the One Health Task Force, antimicrobial resistance activities, the implementation of both the European Health Data Space and the revised pharmaceutical legislation and the Union list of critical medicines. During a dedicated breakout session, PCWP
members also explored how best to engage with young patients and consumers, with Sabine detailing IDF Europe’s 15-year long history of nurturing young diabetes advocates through its Youth Leadership Programme including its more recentmentorship component, designed to support new participants while further developing mentors’ own leadership and communication skills.
The meeting also marked the 20th anniversary of the PCWP, which having started as a working group of patients’ organisations in 2003, became a working party following endorsement of its framework by EMA’s Management Board. It was remarkable to see how much perceptions of people with lived experience have changed over that time from “activists” to equal expert partners!
IDF Europe participates in the 7th HTA Stakeholder Network Meeting
On June 23, Sabine Dupont also attended the 7th meeting of the Health Technology Assessment Stakeholder Network. The Network provides a forum for dialogue between the Commission and the Member State Coordination Group on Health Technology Assessment on the one hand and stakeholders, on the other – patient associations, consumer organisations, health technology developer associations, health professional organisations and other non-governmental organisations in the field of health, including clinical and learned societies.
This meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the firstJoint Clinical Assessment released under the HTA regulation as well as stakeholders’ priorities and practicalities to gather evidence for the evaluation of the HTA Regulation and best ways to communicate with patients, carers and clinical experts before, during and after joint clinical assessments and joint scientific consultations.
EU Health Policy Platformwebinar highlights need for meaningful youth
engagement in NCD
On June 16, EUHPP hosted a live webinar exploring how to move from simply consulting young people to meaningfully engaging them in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention initiatives.
IDF Europe’s Project Coordinator, Youth Advocacy Committee Coordinator and member of the JA Prevent NCD Youth Advisory Group, Cameron Keighron, contributed to the session “Youth-Led Advocacy in Action: The YOURAH Network and the Youth Advocacy Committee” presenting key IDF Europe programmes supporting youth engagement, including IDF Europe’s Youth Leadership Lab, the mentorship programme and the YOURAH Forum.
The webinar also included breakout groups on barriers and enablers to youth participation, reinforcing the importance of co-creation with young people in health policy and prevention efforts.
Strengthening early warning systems to enhance
the prevention of NCDs
in Europe
On June 10-11, Cameron Keighron also attended the JA PreventNCD General Assembly in Rome, where discussions focused on how Europe should identifie and respond to risks related to NCDs.
In their presentation, they highlighted that NCD prevention is shaped by everyday environments such as shops, social media and product pricing, and that markets often reach people before regulation does, creating a protection gap.
They also stressed the importance of involving young people and people with lived experience as early warning voices within monitoring systems. The discussion underlined the need to shift towards more anticipatory, people-centred public health approaches.
IDF Europe joins regional dialogue on strengthening health partnerships
On June 10, IDF Europe participated in a high-level meeting convened by WHO Europe, bringing together leaders of medical specialty associations from across the Region to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Discussions focused on strengthening prevention and health promotion, addressing health workforce challenges, responsibly harnessing digital tools and AI, improving preparedness for future health threats and advancing climate action for health.
IDF Europe was represented by Dr Niti Pall, former IDF Europe Chair and IDF Chair-Elect, contributing to the dialogue on building stronger partnerships to improve health outcomes across Europe.
IDF Europe calls for
stronger standards for
CGM Systems
At a European Parliament event hosted by MEP Dario Nardella on advancing performance standards for medical devices, IDF Europe’s Regional Chair, Prof. Tadej Battelino, highlighted the need for a harmonised EU framework to assess the accuracy, reliability and clinical performance of CGM systems.
He noted that some CGMs approved for use in the EU have been found not fit for purpose, placing PwD at unnecessary risk. IDF Europe is calling for Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) guidance in the short term and Common Specifications in the longer term to ensure consistent evaluation standards and safer diabetes technologies across all Member States.
Promoting integrated prevention and early detection
at the Liver Disease Prevention Village
On June 1-5, IDF Europe took part in the Liver Disease Prevention Village at the European Parliament in Brussels, organised by the European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA).
Over five days, more than 500 visitors engaged with HCPs, advocates and experts to explore the links between liver disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer.
At IDF Europe’s booth, participants could assess their risk of developing T2D and learn about the importance of early detection and prevention. IDF Europe’s Regional Manager, Elisabeth Dupont, also contributed to a high-level roundtable on the early detection and management of MASLD, highlighting the need to integrate liver health into diabetes care pathways. The discussions reinforced the importance of a shared, cross-condition approach to prevention and care.
New consensus provides guidance on GLP-1 and
dual GLP-1/GIP receptor
agonist use in T1D
A new expert consensus has been published providing recommendations for the safe use of GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIPreceptor agonists in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), endorsed by IDF Europe along with other leading international diabetes and endocrine organisations.
As off-label use of these therapies becomes more common to address unmet metabolic and complication-related needs in T1D, the guidance offers a framework for clinicians while larger clinical trials are still ongoing. Developed by experts convened by the diaTribe Foundation, the consensus aims to support safer, more informed decision-making in the evolving management of T1D.
Call to put health
at the centre
of the EU’s next
long-term budget
More than 200 healthcare experts, scientists, academics and advocates have called on EU leaders and national governments to prioritise health in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasising its role as a strategic investment in Europe’s resilience.
IDF Europe, as a signatory of the joint letter, supports this call for stronger EU health investment. Itsposition paper, “Turning the Tide”, stresses that investing in health strengthens resilience and sustainable growth. The statement underlines that diabetes reflects wider health system challenges and calls for a coordinated EU approach.
Remembering Bastian: a legacy of community and connection
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Bastian Hauck, a treasured member of the IDF Europe family whose legacy will continue to resonate across our organisation and the wider diabetes community.
As the founder of dedoc and a passionate advocate for PwD, Bastian dedicated more than a decade to strengthening connections, fostering collaboration and creating spaces where people felt heard, valued and supported. He will be remembered not only for his many contributions, but also for the communities he helped build, the relationships he nurtured and the countless people he inspired along the way.
Ireland launches its first National Diabetes Strategy
Ireland has launched its first national diabetes strategy, The Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care, outlining the current gaps in diabetes care provision in Ireland and priority recommendations to improve this care. The strategy develops recommendations for action for T1D, T2D, diabetes in pregnancy, and paediatric diabetes.
It is structured around four key themes: service development, affordability and access to care, support for PwD and digital healthcare.
The Health Service Executive will now develop an implementation plan to ensure the recommendations are integrated at national level and throughout the regions.
Diabetes Week UK highlights the need to address stigma
During Diabetes Week UK 2026 (June 8-14), Diabetes UK launched its “Strike Out Stigma” campaign to raise awareness of the harmful impact of diabetes stigma. The campaign highlights how negative attitudes, blame and misconceptions affect PwD, with some research showing that 8 in 10 people have experienced stigma related to their condition.
Such experiences can discourage people from seeking support and may increase the risk of complications. Through the campaign, Diabetes UK is encouraging everyone to help change the conversation around diabetes and create a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected.
DonateKilometres campaign promotes physical activity
and diabetes in Slovenia
The Slovenian Diabetes Association has launched this year’s nationwide #DarujemKilometre campaign as part of its 70th anniversary, continuing its long-standing effort to promote physical activity, prevention and diabetes awareness. Now in its eighth year, the initiative highlights how every kilometre contributes to better health, with participants collectively logging over 1.2 million kilometres in previous editions.
A key highlight was the Nationwide Walk for Diabetes, which brought together 27 associations and over 1,000 participants who walked, ran or cycled nearly 9,000 kilometres. The campaign underlines the role of movement in preventing and managing diabetes while strengthening community engagement across Slovenia.
FEDE launches new edition of
“Diabetes Educational Agent” programme
The Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE) has launched a new edition of its online therapeutic education programme, “Diabetes Educational Agent”, designed to support PwD and their carers in developing practical self-management skills. This year, 780 participants have enrolled in the 20-hour course, which covers topics including glucose management, nutrition, physical activity, insulin adjustment and psychosocial well-being.
Based on the Stanford Expert Patient Training Programme methodology, the initiative promotes education, peer support and empowerment. FEDE is also developing an advanced training pathway for participants wishing to further strengthen their knowledge and advocacy skills.
Youth Leadership Lab 2026
kicks off with inspiring
opening session
The Youth Leadership Lab 2026 officially began on June 10 with an online welcoming session bringing together participants, mentors and partners from across the IDF Europe community. It featured contributions from Prof. Tadej Battelino, IDF Europe Chair and João Nabais, co-founder of the Young Leaders in Diabetes programme and representative of our hosting organisation, the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), alongside partners from MiniMed and Lilly Diabetes, who reaffirmed their support for youth advocacy.
Uroš
Bogdanović, IDF Europe Board Member and YOURAH Steering Committee Coordinator, moderated the session and introduced this year’s mentors and 20 participants.
T2GETHER Advocacy Training Programme continues with
two new modules
The T2GETHER Advocacy Training Programme continued this month with two engaging modules designed to strengthen advocacy skills among people living with T2D.
Module 2 introduced the foundations of advocacy, exploring how lived experience can drive change and influence HCPs, researchers and policymakers.
Building on this, Module 3 focused on combining personal storytelling with data to create impactful advocacy messages.
Participants learned how to use evidence alongside lived experience to communicate effectively, influence decision-makers and strengthen their role as advocates within the diabetes community.
On World Environment Day (June 5), IDF Europe highlighted the growing connection between climate change and diabetes.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and air pollution can increase health risks for PwD and contribute to the development of T2D. Climate-related disruptions to food systems may also make healthy diets less accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations.
At the same time, healthcare systems contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, underlining the importance of more sustainable care models. Addressing climate change and diabetes together can help improve health outcomes while supporting healthier and more resilient communities.
World Refugee Day
June 20 marked World Refugee Day where IDF Europe joined UNHCR in reaffirming the right to health for refugees and displaced populations.
Conflict and displacement affect millions of people, including many living with diabetes, who often face disruptions in access to insulin, glucose monitoring, essential medicines, safe foods and follow-up care.
The occasion served as a reminder that continuity of diabetes care is essential and that health systems and humanitarian responses must be equipped to provide accessible and sustained support to people living with chronic conditions in humanitarian settings.
HEALTH-RELATED NEWS
United Nations | UN highlights right to health amid environmental crisis
The UN Human Rights Office has stressed the importance of the right to health in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The statement highlights how environmental degradation is increasingly affecting health worldwide and calls for stronger action to protect people and the planet through rights-based policies and more sustainable approaches to health and environmental governance. Read
more
WHO Europe | New guidance on Heat–Health Action Plans
WHO/Europe has launched an updated Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance to help countries prepare for, and respond to, extreme heat, a growing public health threat across the Region. The framework provides evidence-based recommendations across key areas such as early warning systems, risk communication and protection of vulnerable populations. The guidance highlights the urgent need for coordinated, cross-sector action as extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe due to climate change. Read more
European Parliament report strengthens focus on women and diabetes care
The European Parliament has taken an important step towards advancing gender equality in health through its ongoing own-initiative report on gender inequalities in health. The report includes stronger recognition of diabetes, highlighting delays in diagnosis among women, the increased cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes and the need for sex- and gender-specific diagnostic criteria and clinical guidelines. It also calls for greater attention to gestational diabetes and sustained investment in gender-responsive prevention. IDF Europe actively engaged with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) throughout the process to help ensure that
diabetes and women’s health were meaningfully reflected in the report.Read our factsheet
European Parliament report highlights strong link between CVD and diabetes
The European Parliament’s own-initiative report on CVD, adopted by the SANT Committee on June 24, sets out a comprehensive EU-wide approach to prevention, early detection and management of CVD. The report highlights diabetes as a key modifiable risk factor driving the burden of CVD, alongside conditions such as obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. It also promotes integrated primary care screening for major risk factors, including diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. IDF Europe engaged with MEPs throughout the development of the report to ensure that the links between diabetes and cardiovascular health were adequately
reflected in EU policy.Read more
EMA publishes 2025 Annual Report
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting key achievements in the evaluation and monitoring of human and veterinary medicines across the EU. The report also highlights progress in rare disease treatments, milestones such as EMA’s 30th anniversary, and the launch of major initiatives including EMANS 2028 and the European Shortages Monitoring Platform. It also reflects growing use of AI and digital tools in regulatory processes. Read more
First EU Joint Clinical Assessment
IDF Europe welcomed the first Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) conducted under the EU Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation. The statement highlights the importance of meaningful lived experience involvement in health technology assessments.Read more
UK approves first treatment to delay the onset of T1D
The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved teplizumab, the first treatment shown to delay the onset of T1D in people at risk of developing the condition. The decision marks a significant milestone for T1D prevention and care, with the potential to delay the need for insulin treatment and reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis. It also reinforces the importance of identifying people at risk early, highlighting the need to strengthen screening pathways across Europe. This aligns with IDF Europe’s advocacy and its international consensus paper, An International
Consensus on Screening and Monitoring Early-Stage Type 1 Diabetes: A Roadmap to European Implementation, which outlines evidence and policy recommendations to support the implementation of early-stage T1D screening programmes. Read the full NICE article.|Read our publication.
EU-FUNDED 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.
New project
newsletter
The MOVEUP project has released its fourth newsletter, highlighting recent activities and achievements across the consortium.
The edition features a training session held in Belgium, a transnational project meeting in Kosovo focused on project progress and impact assessment, and the MOVEUP Cup, which brought together participants from
Italy, Romania and Kosovo for a celebration of walking football, walking basketball and catchball.
Participants in the MOVEUP programme in Belgium recently celebrated completing a 12-week sports programme designed for people living with T2D, hypertension and other chronic conditions. The programme promotes physical activity through accessible and inclusive activities.
A new 10-week MOVEUP Sports programme was launched in the Brussels area on July 2. Interested? The programme is still accepting late registrations
IDF Europe is proud to be part of the DigiCare4You Horizon 2020 project, which aims to improve early prevention and management of T2D and hypertension (HTN).
As part of its efforts to improve access to reliable health information, the DigiCare4You project continues to develop educational resources in multiple languages for communities across Europe.
Recently, the project released a Greek-language video highlighting the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of T2D and hypertension.
It has also made physical activity videos available in both Greek and Albanian, promoting regular movement as a key tool for managing blood glucose levels, reducing blood pressure and supporting overall health.
IDF Europe is part of ASSESS DHT, a Horizon 2020 project aiming to boost the adoption of trustworthy and effective Digital Health Technologies (DHT) across Europe.
On June 16-17, IDF Europe participated in the ASSESS-DHT consortium meeting in Berlin, where partners came together to review the project’s progress and discuss the next steps in improving the evaluation of DHTs.
The ASSESS-DHT project is developing a common framework to support health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and other decision-makers in evaluating DHTs. By strengthening and harmonising assessment processes, the project aims to support informed decisions on the adoption and use of digital health solutions across Europe. As part of the project’s final outputs, IDF Europe is leading the development of guidance on lived experience engagement in HTA.
The project is developing a European framework, toolkit and guidance to support
the consistent assessment of DHTs, including telehealth solutions and AI-based medical software, throughout their lifecycle. Feedback from the consultation will help refine the framework to support innovation while ensuring patient safety, equity and trust across European health systems.
The deadline to participate in the ASSESS-DHT public consultation has been extended until 10 July, giving stakeholders additional time to contribute to the development of a European framework for assessing DHTs.
