Euractiv spoke with Chris Delicata and Dr. Sufyan Hussain from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europe about their ambitious efforts to transform diabetes management and drive equitable care across Europe.
EV: What do you want to achieve with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in Europe?
CD: The most important objective is to keep the person living with diabetes at the centre of everything we do. Our advocacy efforts—particularly within the European Parliament—aim to increase awareness and push for stronger prioritisation of diabetes within the EU’s health agenda.
We have formed key partnerships with organisations like WHO Europe to amplify our collective voice. There are many groups with specific focuses, but our shared goal is clear: to unite and work together for more impactful outcomes.
At the heart of our work are three main priorities: the person living with diabetes, advocacy, and ensuring universal access to diabetes care.
Everyone living with diabetes, regardless of age, country, or race, should have access to effective treatments—whether it’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or other advanced care options. IDF Europe is committed to ensuring that these tools are available to all without discrimination.
SH: Keeping people living with diabetes at the core is a central focus. From IDF Europe’s perspective, one of our missions is to unify the voices of patient organisations across Europe, building advocates who can work within their own health systems to ensure that no one is left behind.
We want to create a system where individuals have clear access to the right treatments.
It’s about fostering local champions who can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery in their regions and, with our support, influence political will. Acknowledging the importance of political will is crucial to our aims—a quality exemplified by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
EV: Is there enough political will?
CD: Diabetes should undoubtedly be at the forefront of the European health agenda, given its far-reaching effects. It’s not just about diabetes itself but also the many complications it causes, which significantly impact people’s lives.
While the enthusiasm from MEPs is encouraging, there is still much to be done. Not all MEPs are fully convinced, and we need to ensure we reach those who may not yet prioritise this issue.
The political landscape is complex, and while there is growing awareness, we need to establish more effective channels to ensure this issue resonates with all lawmakers. Diabetes has the potential to impact every European healthcare system—its consequences are far-reaching.
SH: The financial burden of diabetes on health systems is staggering. A significant portion of the healthcare budget is spent on medications and managing complications. The socio-economic impact of the loss of productivity is also huge.
We must rethink how to improve this—not just from a cost perspective but also to improve the lives of people living with diabetes. We need to invest in the right infrastructure to tackle the condition early on, adopt preventative strategies for type 2 diabetes, and make use of the latest technologies to enhance outcomes.
New therapies, devices and digital tools which could harness the potential of AI have immense potential to address some of these challenges. If implemented properly, it could ease the burdens faced by individuals and help mitigate their concerns.
EV: Do you think a cure for diabetes is possible, or is that unrealistic?
CD: Even though a cure is the most desirable aspiration for any person living with diabetes and their families, I’m cautious about using the term ‘cure’ because it carries a lot of emotional weight. However, what I do believe is that treatments will continue to improve.
A key shift we’re seeing in diabetes care is the focus on reducing the mental and emotional burden of living with the condition, in addition to improving clinical outcomes. While technology has brought significant progress, the day-to-day reality for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes remains challenging.
Over the past 25 years, the advancements in diabetes care have been remarkable, especially in schools. Continuous glucose monitors allow children to live with diabetes more comfortably, with parents and caregivers able to track their readings in real time via mobile apps.
Insulin treatments have also progressed significantly, making it easier for individuals to manage their condition. Whilst remaining pragmatic on the issue of whether we may see a “cure” or not in the foreseeable future, the improvements in technology, insulin administration, and devices are encouraging and extraordinary. Research is crucial and key in continuing this momentum.
SH: I agree with Chris that the term ‘cure’ should be avoided. However, we are entering an exciting phase where delaying or preventing the onset of type 1 diabetes and the development of stem cell therapies to replace lost insulin-secreting cells could become realistic possibilities in the near future.
For type 2 diabetes, advancements in prevention strategies and emerging therapies, including combination gut hormone-based treatments, hold promise for achieving significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control.
As Chris highlights, while these may not represent cures, they could lead to significantly improved treatments that lessen the daily burden of diabetes for individuals. Furthermore, from a policy perspective, ensuring continued research funding is vital.
One of IDF Europe’s main focuses is promoting the inclusion of people with lived experience in research agendas. This helps ensure that research is focused on practical solutions rather than over-engineered concepts that don’t meet real-world needs.
EV: Do you feel there is competition with other health conditions for attention and resources?
CD: Yes, diabetes often competes with other health conditions like cancer. However, we must emphasise that diabetes is also a risk factor for developing cancers, as well as for other serious complications like amputations, kidney failure, and vision loss.
These consequences can be life-altering, and they should not be overlooked. The emotional response to diseases like cancer often drives more funding, but diabetes should not be sidelined. Its impact on life expectancy and quality of life is comparable in many health systems, and the consequences of unmanaged diabetes can be just as devastating.
SH: Yes, unfortunately, this is the case, given the limited funding. Other conditions can have a more emotive element and perception of seriousness attached to them. It is essential to foster widespread recognition of diabetes, a common yet often overlooked condition, due to its profound impact on lifespan, quality of life, and the severe complications it can cause.
We are at a crucial stage where we must be accountable for reducing these life-changing outcomes. The right treatments and tools are available—we just need to ensure they are being used to their fullest potential.
EV: What is your main ask from politicians at the moment?
CD: We’ve issued several resolutions and declarations over the years, and now it’s time for action. The next step is turning those promises into tangible actions. While there has been progress, we still lack a structured plan to make these goals a reality in the medium to long term. A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that the targets set in these resolutions are achieved.
SH: My message to MEPs is this: invest in prevention. Early and better treatments are key to preventing the costly and devastating complications of diabetes. This requires not just financial resources but also a commitment of time and energy to keep this issue at the forefront of the European agenda. The EU has significant influence over policy, and it must leverage that to improve prevention, treatment, and outcomes for people with diabetes.
This interview was edited for brevity.
[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]
