On World Diabetes Day, the Portuguese diabetes association, APDP, launched an awareness campaign to call for improved access to automated insulin delivery systems for children and young people living with diabetes (PwD) in the country.
The newest devices for automatic insulin delivery have already been introduced in Portugal but, due to their very high cost and selection criteria, it is estimated that only 10% of PWD in the country have access to them. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness among the general public and the government of the enormous benefits that automated delivery systems can bring to the lives of young PwD and children by helping them as well as their families and caregivers in managing the condition. To do this, the campaign was implemented on November 14, on the streets and on various platforms, including TV channels, cinemas and social media. At the same time, a petition signed by more than 25,000 people was submitted to the Portuguese Parliament to ask for the full reimbursement of automated insulin delivery systems.
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Read more about the campaign here.
On November 17 and 18, APDP Diabetes Portugal held its fourth National Congress at the Ismaili Centre, in Lisbon. The event brought together 500 participants to network and exchange knowledge on the latest scientific innovations in the field of diabetes.
The Congress included a practical component with workshops on new technologies, insulin therapy and new injectable therapies, and diabetic foot. Several national and international experts participated in the event to address a wide variety of topics such as diabetes and liver disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, obesity, behavioural change strategies, the use of artificial intelligence in diabetes and the interrelations of diabetes with cancer and COVID-19. The Congress also included discussions on the role of the community, such as schools and municipalities, for monitoring and treating diabetes.
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Read more about the congress here.