On the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2025, IDF Europe set up a mobile health unit in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, providing free health checks to understand the risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable and premature death in Europe. In the EU, 34 million people live with the condition and about one in three remain undiagnosed. If left untreated or not managed adequately, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), kidney disease, retinopathy and neuropathy. It is estimated that around one-third of people living with diabetes will develop CVD. Meanwhile, obesity significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and accelerates cardiovascular complications.
Diabetes and CVD often progress silently for years before being detected, with symptoms only appearing once complications have developed. This is why joined-up action through prevention, early detection and timely treatment is crucial to ensure effective management and prevent life-altering complications.
Getting screened is the first step toward understanding your health and starting a broader conversation with your healthcare professional about how to reduce your risk and stay healthy.
We wish to thank Abbott, Lilly and Medtronic for their support to this initiative.
