November 23 marked the third anniversary of the European Parliament’s landmark Resolution on Diabetes. Adopted 100 years after the discovery of insulin, it serves as a reminder of the progress made in diabetes prevention, management and care since then, while also underscoring the importance of unified efforts to advance research, improve access to care and ensure that the voices of people living with diabetes (PwD) are heard.
Since the adoption of the Resolution, we have continued working in close collaboration with several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and particularly with the MEP Interest Group on Diabetes – MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes (MMD). Together, we work to ensure that diabetes is included in all policy decisions that may have an impact on the lives of PwD and those at risk, by raising awareness of their unmet needs across a range of policy files. Most recently, together with our wider community of PwD, healthcare professionals, Member Associations, the MMD group and other diabetes and health-related organisations, we have been advocating for the integration of diabetes into the European Commission upcoming Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. The Plan has the potential to make a real difference to the prevention, early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across Europe. However, for it to be truly effective, it must move beyond siloed, single-disease frameworks and towards integrated policies and initiatives that reflect the interconnectedness of CVD, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
On November 14, as we celebrated World Diabetes Day, several MEPs shared their messages for the diabetes community and emphasised their commitment to supporting the needs of PwD at EU level.
Listen to their messages hereAs we mark another anniversary of the European Parliament Resolution on Diabetes, we highlight its role as an advocacy tool to push for more ambitious policy action at European, national and local levels, in order to address PwD’s unmet needs. Below, we highlight some of the key articles of the Resolution and the key areas of action they address – areas that must be prioritised to advance better diabetes prevention, management and care, and ultimately ensure that all PwD and those at risk achieve optimal health outcomes and live long, fulfilling lives.
