As diabetes cases surge across Europe, healthcare systems are grappling with an escalation, leaving millions without sufficient access to early diagnosis, preventive care, and innovative treatments.
During a high-level discussion in the European Parliament focused on enhancing access to quality diabetes prevention and care, Professor Tadej Battelino, chair-elect of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europe, emphasised the urgent need for early intervention in diabetes management.
He highlighted the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring for early detection of diabetes and the transformative potential of medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists, saying: “In the EU, it is essential to understand that elevated glucose levels are dangerous, posing significant risks not only to the cardiovascular system but also to the brain, kidneys, and eyes. Even early spikes in glucose can be harmful and substantially increase the risk of chronic complications.”
Speaking with Euractiv, Professor Battelino remarked: “We must identify and treat diabetes at its onset to prevent severe complications. Fortunately, we have the necessary tools at our disposal. Raising awareness is crucial for early detection using available technology, followed by timely interventions with effective medications and lifestyle modifications.”
Prioritising diabetes prevention in EU
MEP Peter Agius (EPP, Malta) echoed these concerns; he said: “Health systems must recognise the fundamental importance of diabetes prevention at their core.” He highlighted the significant disparities among EU member states in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes.
“We share the same continent, yet some member states maintain diabetes registries while others do not. In certain countries, nurses are trained to prescribe medications, whereas in others, they are not. Additionally, some member states provide reimbursement for diabetes care, while others fall short,” Agius noted the unequal access to care that prevents many individuals with diabetes from receiving the timely treatment they need.
These findings emerge as the diabetes crisis in Europe reaches unprecedented levels, with one in ten Europeans now living with the condition and an alarming one-third of diabetes cases remaining undiagnosed.
New analysis by IDF Europe reveals that while some countries are making strides in diabetes care, others are lagging, resulting in stark inequalities in patient outcomes across the continent.
Gaps in national diabetes plans
A critical issue highlighted in the IDF Europe analysis is the absence of coordinated national diabetes plans and registries in many EU member states.
Currently, only 15 EU countries have established a national diabetes plan, while several others, including Belgium, Estonia, Hungary, and Luxembourg, are in the process of developing frameworks. Alarmingly, seven countries—including Bulgaria, Denmark, France, and Sweden—have yet to adopt any comprehensive strategy.
Without reliable and inclusive data, countries struggle to grasp the full extent of the diabetes crisis and to formulate tailored responses. National diabetes plans and registries facilitate coordinated care, support early diagnosis, and enable regular screenings.
Countries with these systems are better positioned to monitor the effectiveness of their healthcare infrastructure, identify gaps, and allocate resources effectively.
The technology divide
While basic diabetes management tools, such as syringes and glucose meters, are widely accessible across Europe, access to more advanced technology—like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)—remains highly uneven.
CGMs are essential for optimal diabetes management, providing real-time data that empowers patients to adjust their treatment plans. However, these devices are often available only in select countries and are typically restricted to patients with specific conditions or within certain healthcare programs.
“We have plenty of innovation around us and a lot of technology, but we are not champions in adopting it. This is a significant barrier. Technologies can transform how we deliver care, but we need a brave attitude from decision-makers. The current system is unsustainable and on the brink of collapse,” said general practitioner Dr. Francesc Xavier Cos.
Inconsistent screening
Another key finding from the IDF Europe analysis is the lack of regular and accessible screenings for diabetes-related complications, such as eye, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases.
Early detection of these complications is vital for slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Yet, only about half of EU countries provide regular screenings for all diabetes patients, and access to these essential services is even more limited for those in rural or underserved areas.
Prevention efforts also vary significantly across the EU. While some countries have implemented comprehensive measures to tackle risk factors like obesity, smoking, and unhealthy diets, others have not.
The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a successful model for preventive healthcare that assesses an individual’s risk of developing diabetes and could be scaled up across Europe.
“Finland exemplifies success in this area. Over the past few decades, they have managed to reduce their cardiovascular disease risk from very high levels to below the European average,” noted Professor Johan Jendle from the Institute of Medical Sciences at Örebro University. Jendle, who is also Director of the Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, said early diagnosis and effective management of diabetes are crucial, as they significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Call for unified, EU-wide action
In 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on diabetes, now, in a new legislature, MEP Agius emphasised, “It is crucial to strengthen our call for action within this mandate. We have five years ahead of us, and we must ensure that diabetes rises to the forefront of the political agenda. I pledge to work together to make this happen, utilising all the tools available in the European Parliament.” He stressed the need for a more aggressive approach in advocating for change.
Additionally, he expressed to Euractiv his openness to considering all initiatives that promote better exchange of best practices among member states, enhance awareness, and leverage the €4.4 billion commitment from the European Multiannual financial framework (MFF) for specific projects aimed at improving the quality of life for diabetes patients across the EU.
Key takeaways from the analysis
To enhance access to diabetes prevention and care, IDF Europe emphasises the need to build more resilient health systems. This involves fostering health-enabling environments, strengthening the availability of complication screening programs to ensure they reach all individuals, and expanding access to innovative medicines and new diabetes technologies across all EU countries.
Moreover, it is crucial to increase political commitment to develop and reinforce national diabetes plans and registries. Europe must also scale up innovation to ensure that novel approaches are accessible to everyone.
Enhancing the roles of diabetes specialists and nurses, along with improving access to education and psychological support, will be vital in addressing the diabetes crisis effectively. Neglecting to act will be socially damaging and economically crippling.
[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]
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Publish date : 2024-11-12 20:03:00
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