- More than 32 million people in the EU currently suffer from diabetes, or one in ten adults, regardless of their background. Even more alarming is the fact that this number has doubled in the last decade alone, said EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.
Today is World Diabetes Day. The EU commissioner made an important statement
Published Nov. 14, 2023 08:00
© European Union 2019 - EP
"We need to do more to respond to this chronic burden on people's health, quality of life and health systems in general. That's why the Commission is working hard to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and reduce health inequalities across the EU. Prevention is always better than cure, which is why we are focusing on measures to intervene at an early stage and detect symptoms as soon as possible," the statement reads.
The answer is the EU's Healthy Together initiative. It's a set of principles for member states to improve the health and well-being of their citizens through concerted action to reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, and redress inequalities in health status and access to health care.
"With the support of €53 million from the EU Health Program - the largest-ever EU financial contribution to diabetes and cardiovascular disease activities - this initiative is expected to bring real change for the better to people at risk of diabetes, as well as those with diabetes and other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease," Stella Kyriakides wrote.
As the EU commissioner reminds us, the most effective way to fight diabetes is through cooperation and the sharing of expertise and experience.
"That's why we're supporting the joint efforts of member states with a €75 million contribution to improve data collection and information on risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. This information will be used to implement targeted prevention programs, such as health awareness campaigns and best practices."
In addition, 296 million euros from Horizon Europe will be used to support nearly 120 diabetes-related projects.
However, citizens themselves play a key role in controlling diabetes. The risk and burden of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through healthier lifestyles: eating a healthier diet, being physically active or not smoking - decisions that each of us can make. That is why it is so important to create an environment for citizens where the healthy choice is an easy choice.
"Diabetes is one of the major health challenges today and will remain so until we collectively take immediate action to address this challenge.On World Diabetes Day, I call on member states and stakeholders to work more closely together so that we can improve the lives of the millions of Europeans suffering from diabetes. We must act now," urged the Health and Food Safety Commissioner.
