Through research, better management and collaboration, #WeWontRest until diabetes is defeated.
Diabetes: Europe’s silent health pandemic
Diabetes is a highly prevalent condition that is often undertreated and underestimated. It is a relentless disease which has a huge physical and emotional toll. For people with diabetes (PwD), self-managing the disease is a fulltime responsibility and life-changing commitment, yet PwD are usually only able to see a healthcare professional for a few minutes, up to four times a year. For the rest of the time, PwD are all on their own.
Our vision is an environment where PwD are diagnosed earlier, and provided with the tools and education to self-manage effectively. Ultimately, we want all PwD to live life to its fullest.
And that’s why, a number of SFEE member companies have come together in the SFEE Diabetes Platform. As an industry we are committed to improving diabetes diagnosis and management and focusing on delivering better healthcare for people living with diabetes.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and optimal management can reduce the risk of complications, improve health outcomes and strengthen healthcare system resilience. There is currently significant political momentum, as 10 years after the last Motion for Resolution on Diabetes, the European Parliament adopted a new “European Parliament resolution on prevention, management and better care of diabetes in the EU on the occasion of World Diabetes Day” in November 2022. It calls on Member States to adopt ambitious targets to improve diagnosis, care and management of the condition. The development and implementation of National Diabetes Plans in all Member States should include clear risk reduction and screening components.Delayed diagnosis and access to appropriate care contribute to worse health outcomes and increase the risk of complications for PwD, inevitably increasing healthcare costs in the future. The science is clear: timely screening and appropriate follow-up need to be crucial components of diabetes policies.
In Greece, the prevalence of diabetes reaches 11.9%, compared to the European average of 9.2%.
The Diabetes Platform of SFEE has as a priority the creation of an integrated and holistic policy for the prevention, management and treatment of diabetes, through the collaboration and participation of all relevant stakeholders .
The SFEE Diabetes Platform is supporting a multi-stakeholder advocacy effort by the diabetes and cardiovascular health communities that calls for joint cardiovascular and diabetes health checks at the primary care level.
The “SAFE DIABETES” policy text, prepared in collaboration with the London School of Economics, aims to highlight the challenges facing our country regarding diabetes, making it a national health priority.
