The human stories behind diabetes [Promoted content]

In Europe, over 32 million people live with diabetes. That is double what it was 20 years ago, and this figure is only on the increase. In 2021, diabetes was the cause behind 6.7 million deaths worldwide. It is a lifelong condition that demands supervision at all times, and this not only takes a toll on a person physically, but also mentally. My home country of Malta has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Europe – 11.2%. Persons with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression in their lives. The human stories behind diabetes need to be better amplified and its emotional toll better understood.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

We stand today on the brink of a complete revolution in the prevention and management of diabetes. From new medicines, to developments that modify the disease itself and the use of new technologies. We are pushing the boundaries on prevention of the disease. We see that medicinal developments are allowing us to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by an average of two years in certain groups of the population. The exciting advances that are being made today in cell therapies are even bringing the prospect closer than ever of a true permanent cure for diabetes. 

However, not all is positive. Despite the great leaps forward, also in areas of medical AI, and digitalisation of health services, there are still many who are being let down by the system, with prevention and practice not aiding them as it should. It is estimated that a third of people with diabetes in Europe have not been diagnosed, and that up to half of those who are do not achieve their treatment targets. 

Over a century after the discovery of insulin, the European Parliament is committed to further improving the lives of people with diabetes. In March 2012, the Parliament voted on a resolution addressing the EU diabetes epidemic. In November last year, on World Diabetes Day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on prevention, management and better care for diabetes in the European Union. Here, we emphasised the need for the Commission to follow through with the “Healthier Together – EU Non-Communicable Disease Initiative”. By collaborating with Member States in developing a common standardised criteria and method for data collection on diabetes, we will come closer to making a difference in the lives of the diabetics.

And there is more, in December this year, the European Parliament will adopt its own-initiative report on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) where the Parliament will call for greater synergies in addressing NCDs that are of similar origin, like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

I am also enthusiastic for the outcome of the High-Level Technical Summit on diabetes, being held today in Belgrade by WHO Europe and the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF Europe) to create a blueprint for improving the lives of people with diabetes. 

My commitment is as personal as it is institutional. I embarked on a career in politics with the purpose of striving to make people’s lives better. That is why I want us to work together, for a healthier Europe, for improving lives and especially – as we marked World Diabetes Day recently – the lives of people with diabetes.