Press Releases

World Diabetes Day - HFE calls for a global approach in prevention and treatment

12 November 2004

12-11-2004 - World Diabetes Day - HFE calls for a global approach in prevention and treatment

Figures for diabetes are running high and the particular “westernized” lifestyle of developed countries seems likely to lead to an ever-increasing number of people suffering from one of the various forms ofdiabetes. Health First Europe (HFE) is concerned that diabetes does not receive the necessary political attention it deserves and that diabetes, if no action is taken, will continue to spread like an epidemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the number of deaths attributed annually to diabetes at about 3.2 million, yet at least 50% of all people with diabetes are not aware of their life-threatening condition. Showing no outward symptoms they are often not diagnosed until a later stage of the disease.

The explosive increase in diabetes over the past twenty years is linked, among other factors, to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and an equally rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in our societies. Obesity has long been recognized as a major risk factor for the most common types of diabetes and thisyear’s World Diabetes Day serves to highlight this linkage between obesity and diabetes, also termed ‘diabesity’. Type-2 diabetes, often associated with obesity, in the European Union occurs alone costs of 15 billion Euros per year. The European Commission estimates 19 million people in the EU are currently affected by diabetes. This corresponds to over 4% of the population. At current obesity rates, this number is likely to increase to 26 million by 2030, or 6% of the population . Health First Europe (HFE) therefore welcomes the decision by the European Commission to fund research to identify new drug targets for thetreatment and prevention of diabesity.

However, Health First Europe (HFE) strongly advocates a broad multi-sectoral approach in dealing with the reality and threat of diabetes and hopes that the European Commission and national governments not only continue funding research in new treatments and potentially a cure but will also cooperate with other stakeholders in communicating the dangers and treatment options of diabetes to the European public. A recent initiative developed by the WHO and ratified by its Member States, the “Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health” is a good example for a collaborative effort in influencing lifestyle-related factors. But Mrs Imelda Read, Honorary Chairperson of HFE, insists: “Diabetes requires a broad public policy response, a combination of public awareness raising, screening programmes, information on treatment and more research for the development of new therapies as well as alternative ways of delivering available treatments. Reducing obesity will have a hugely positive effect on the prevalence of diabetes, but we must not forget to look at other factors and to strive to offer improved solutions to those who require ongoing treatment”.

Diabetes is a complex, chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar that can be defined as a defect in insulin secretion and/or action. It has a wide impact throughout the body, with potentially severe long-term side effects, including blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and coronary artery disease. Although there are different forms of diabetes, its two main forms are described as type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Type-1 is the less common but more severe form of diabetes, accounting for about 5-10% of cases. It requires insulin treatment for healthy life to continue and is often complimented with regulated exercise and meals. Type-2 diabetes is the more common form, accounting for 90-95% of cases. It is frequently associated with obesity and may be a pre-cursor to type-1 diabetes. Diet and exercise are usually the first line of treatment and may be followed by anti-diabetic drugs and injected insulin.

Effective therapy and life-style intervention can delay the onset of disease complications. To stay well and to manage their disease, people with diabetes need to regularly monitor blood glucose levels, take medicine or inject insulin, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Therefore, access to the most effective tools for self-care and treatment is just as essential as proper education of the individual with diabetes, the surrounding social environment and of the health professionals themselves. Health First Europe (HFE) believes that medical innovation in the field needs to be encouraged and matched with a public awareness raising campaign that contributes to the prevention of diabetes and explains the options for treatment. “We are aware that many people with diabetes take a positive attitude towards their disease who deserve all the support in making difficult lifestyle choices and in gaining access to the best treatment possible”, says Imelda Read of HFE.

Established in 2004, Health First Europe is a not-for-profit, non-commercial alliance of patients, healthcare workers, academics, healthcare experts and the medical technology industry. Its primary aim is to ensure that healthcare is regarded as a vital investment in the future of Europe and that every European citizen should benefit from the best medical treatments available. As part of a series of awareness-raising activities, Health First Europe organises events and issues publications with the aim of communicating the following core messages to EU decision-makers and opinion leaders:

• There are weaknesses in European healthcare systems; a re-think is required in order to Meet current and future health challenges
• Patients and clinicians should have equitable access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology
• The development of new and flexible modes of healthcare delivery will benefit both patients and healthcare providers
• “Health equals wealth”. Health is a productive economic factor in terms of employment, Innovation and economic growth

For more information, please visit: www.healthfirsteurope.org