By João Manuel Valente Nabais, President of IDF Europe
There is no questioning that diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the European Union and beyond. In 2012, close to 32 million people were living with diabetes in the EU. Member States spend on average a staggering 10% of their healthcare expenditures on treating diabetes and related complications. In some countries, this number is as high as 20%.
Over the last decade, increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles and an ageing population have been the main drivers of the diabetes epidemic. The economic and financial crisis has also repeatedly challenged access to diabetes care, as a majority of Member States have reduced their healthcare budget as part of austerity measures.
In a study to be published later this month, IDF Europe has identified great disparities in access to quality medicines and medical devices for diabetes care in Europe. People with diabetes rely on continuous access to treatment to manage their life-long condition. The burden of poorly controlled diabetes is evident for people with the condition, reducing their quality of life, and for healthcare systems, leading to spiralling costs.
Many of the diabetes complications such as heart disease; kidney failure and foot problems are preventable with timely diagnosis, patient and professional education, and comprehensive, multidisciplinary long-term care.
Initiatives to address the risk factors of diabetes – such as poor nutrition and physical inactivity – are essential, and the Commission's commitment to support Member States and Stakeholders to promote healthy diets and to address obesity involves a wide range of sectors (health and social services, education, agriculture, media, urban mobility and physical activity). Encouraging healthy lifestyles cannot rely upon public policy and the health sector alone. In addition, these initiatives must be complemented by policies that address the structural issues underlying the diabetes epidemic, e.g. ensuring the sustainability of health systems and access to quality diabetes care.
It is hoped that initiatives at EU level such as the Joint Action on Chronic Diseases, with a Work Package dedicated exclusively to diabetes, as well as the Action plan on childhood obesity will foster collaboration between EU Member States and all stakeholders involved to develop a comprehensive and cross-sectoral policy response to the diabetes epidemic.
It is imperative that investing in diabetes care, research and prevention be seen as a pre-requisite to promote a healthier and more productive society, and as a key contributor to long-term economic growth.
