Healthcare systems across Europe are struggling to keep pace with the growing diabetes epidemic, leaving millions without timely diagnosis, preventive care, and access to life-changing treatments. As the number of diabetes cases soars, the need for coordinated action to address the crisis has never been more pressing.
With one in ten Europeans now living with diabetes, and a concerning one-third of cases going undiagnosed, experts are calling for stronger interventions at both national and European levels. A recent high-level discussion in the European Parliament highlighted the urgent need to prioritise early intervention, with experts stressing that technologies like continuous glucose monitoring and medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists hold transformative potential for managing the disease.
Professor Tadej Battelino, chair-elect of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europe, emphasized that early detection is crucial for preventing severe complications. He pointed out that even slight spikes in glucose levels can lead to serious long-term health risks, including damage to the cardiovascular system, brain, kidneys, and eyes. “We must act swiftly to identify diabetes and provide timely care, using available technologies and medications,” Battelino stated.
The crisis is compounded by significant disparities in diabetes care across EU member states. MEP Peter Agius (EPP, Malta) highlighted the lack of uniformity in care practices, noting that while some countries have diabetes registries and dedicated care programs, others are falling behind. “Health systems must place diabetes prevention at their core,” Agius urged, pointing to the inconsistency in treatment and care access as a major hurdle for patients.
An analysis by IDF Europe revealed that only 15 EU countries have established national diabetes plans, leaving several nations without a clear strategy to address the issue. Countries like Belgium and Estonia are still in the process of developing frameworks, while others, including Bulgaria, Denmark, France, and Sweden, have no comprehensive diabetes strategies in place. The lack of national registries and plans makes it difficult for countries to assess the true scale of the diabetes crisis and to implement targeted, effective interventions.
Access to advanced diabetes technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), also varies significantly across Europe. While basic tools like glucose meters and syringes are widely available, CGMs, which provide real-time data for better diabetes management, remain out of reach for many patients, especially in countries with less developed healthcare systems. “Technological innovations are available, but they are not being adopted widely enough,” said Dr. Francesc Xavier Cos, a general practitioner. “We need bold leadership to ensure that these tools are accessible to all patients.”
Screening for diabetes-related complications, such as eye, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases, is another area of concern. Only half of EU countries provide regular screenings for all diabetes patients, with rural and underserved areas facing even greater barriers to access. Prevention measures, too, vary greatly, with some countries taking proactive steps to combat risk factors like obesity and poor diets, while others lack comprehensive prevention programs.
Countries like Finland, which has implemented the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) model, offer a successful example of preventative healthcare that could be scaled up across Europe. Professor Johan Jendle of Örebro University noted that early diagnosis and management of diabetes are critical to reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases.
As the European Parliament continues to push for action, MEP Agius stressed the need for a unified, EU-wide approach to tackling the diabetes crisis. “We must ensure that diabetes becomes a central issue in the political agenda for the next five years,” he said, calling for greater collaboration among member states and the use of the €4.4 billion committed through the European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to fund projects aimed at improving the lives of diabetes patients.
IDF Europe’s analysis calls for building more resilient healthcare systems by strengthening access to screening, expanding innovative treatments, and promoting national diabetes plans across all EU countries. The report also advocates for increasing political commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring that innovative treatments are accessible to all Europeans. Failure to act, experts warn, will not only have serious social consequences but could also impose an enormous economic burden on the continent.
In conclusion, tackling Europe’s diabetes crisis requires immediate, coordinated efforts across all EU nations. From improving access to advanced technologies to enhancing prevention programs, decisive action is needed to stem the tide of the diabetes epidemic.
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