GDAN Launch – Here to Help You
On Friday, 8 March, at the Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) conference in Florence, Italy, GDAN was launched. In front of nearly 70 healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders and diabetes advocates, plus many more online, the joint initiative of the Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and PDGN welcomed a panel of parliamentarians and people with […]
US Nurses Welcome Footware Legislation
The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives by Sens. Brown (D-OH) and Collins (R-ME) and Reps. Blumenauer (D-OR) and LaHood (R-IL). It seeks to allow patients to continue receiving care from their health provider by authorising Nurse Practitioners to certify their patients’ need for […]
EU Drug Shortages
The French national health authority is calling for EU countries to make joint purchases of drugs to address possible future shortages across the 27 Member States. The call came in a Senate hearing into drug shortages with the suggestion that the EU’s recently established health emergency response agency (HERA) could bulk purchase medicines in advance […]
News From Around the World
Anti-Diabetes Campaign | More than 130 people graduated as 10,000 Toes ambassadors after attending a threeday summit held at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), last October. Learning how to run health expos and community health checks, the new ambassadors are now ready to assist the campaign in fighting against […]
WHO Support for Soda Taxes
The World Health Organisation has published a global list of countries in its WHO Manual that have introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, and is calling on all countries to tax sugar drinks in order to save lives. Eighty-five countries are listed as having some form of sugar taxation in the WHO Manual, with several countries […]
Half World Overweight by 2035
A global study presented to the UN predicts that more than half the world’s population will be classed as overweight or obese within 12 years if prevention, treatment and support do not improve. Compiled and published by the World Obesity Federation the report predicts more than 4 million people will be affected, with rates rising […]
Guy Gets the Health Brief
Former PDGN President and current Vice-President Guy Barnett MP has been appointed Health Minister in the Tasmanian government. Guy was described in his local newspaper as a ‘Connoisseur of jelly beans’ who champions diabetes. “Newly appointed Health Minister, Guy Barnett, received a shock diagnosis more than two decades ago – and it’s an experience he […]
IDF Congress 2025
Thailand has been chosen to host the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress in 2025. The IDF World Diabetes Congress is one of the world’s largest conferences on diabetes. The event will take place in Bangkok in April, rather than the historic December time biennial date.
Diabetes Australia Before Parliament
In June, Diabetes Australia appeared before a public parliamentary committee of inquiry alongside the Australian Diabetes Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Australian Parliament’s Health Committee called for the inquiry into diabetes with a closing date for submissions at the end of August. The committee is currently considering the evidence and a […]
Hearing the Patient Voice
The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) in the US is holding an event where people with diabetes can log-in and speak to legislators. For legislators it is a great way to find out some of the challenges people with diabetes face and for sufferers to explain what it means to have diabetes and the difficulties they […]
Diabetes and Kidney Disease Briefing
A policy brief by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) offers information on the links between diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It includes recommendations for effectively preventing, managing and treating diabetes and CKD. You can download and watch the webinar to use in advocacy activities.
Tech News
FDA Clears New Insulin Pump and Algorithm-Based Software to Support Enhanced Automatic Insulin Delivery – Closer to a bionic pancreas. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-clears-new-insulin-pump-and-algorithm-based-software-to-support-enhanced-automatic-insulin-delivery-301829765.html Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre R 2 received national reimbursement in France for all people with diabetes treated with insulin. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2023-06-22-Abbotts-FreeStyle-Libre-R-2-Receives-National-Reimbursement-in-France-for-All-People-with-Diabetes-Who-Use-Insulin Dexcom G7 Approved in Canada Patients living with diabetes in Canada will soon be able […]
Research Corner
1 in 3 adults with type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/1-in-3-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-may-have-undetected-cardiovascular-disease Diabetes linked to functional and structural brain changes. Covid increased the risk of diabetes. Prioritising Maori and Pacific patients for new diabetes drugs pays off http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/5/417649 More Stem Cell research into diabetes with studies in Kenya and the US. Advocacy Action: […]
Barbados fights Big Sugar
The legacy of colonialism, modern-day conveniences and a diet high in fat and sugar have bequeathed the island a diabetes and high-blood pressure pandemic. But can health plans win out over corporate interests? A report in the Guardian newspaper takes the issue on.
Nutrition and NCDs
An article in the Times of India covers the role of nutrition in managing chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease and offers a list of 10 suggestions to reduce the risk of such Non-Communicable Diseases. Advocacy Action: Can you use any of the ten suggestions in the article below to example how diabetes […]
Highly Processed Foods Warning
“Your food is supposed to be your medicine and your medicine is supposed to be your food.” African Proverb This has been recognised in the Zambia Food-Based Dietary Guidelines that claim, “Evidence suggests most Zambians do not base their diets on diverse foods. The diet of most Zambians is monotonous, mostly dominated by maize-based foods […]
Jordan Publishes Its National Nutrition Strategy
The Kingdom of Jordan’s 2023- 2030 National Nutrition Strategy indicates a high level of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in addition to an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity across all age groups in the country. Findings suggest the country’s nutrition transition towards a diet higher in energy dense, highly-processed foods and beverages, and lower in […]
India Schools and Insulin
The Uttar Pradesh state government has recently decided to allow school students with Type 1 diabetes to carry insulin to classrooms. Although there are no rules to ban students carrying insulin, there were none in place to allow it. The intention is to ensure all schools are aware of the need for students with diabetes […]
Good News
Cardiovascular health official, Dr Pascal Bovet allayed the fears by explaining that risks for such illnesses in Seychelles have decreased, however, with a growing and ageing population numbers will appear larger. “We have evidence here in Seychelles that the risks have also decreased – a 45-year-old man now has less risks of cardiovascular diseases than […]
Seychelles Survey on NCDs
The Seychelles’ health ministry has launched a population-based survey on cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases to assess the distribution of health behaviours, diet and main risk factors in the whole population. The survey, which is being conducted between mid-August and December 2023 and will help local health authorities start the process to establish a better database on cardiovascular […]
Call for Debate on Diabetes Care
Shropshire Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan has asked the government to allow MPs time for a debate on NHS care for diabetes. This comes after the publication of a report by Diabetes UK showing Shropshire to have the worst care for diabetes patients in the country, with only 25 percent of all patients in the […]
Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait
A call on NHS Highland (Scotland) to “go further and faster” in providing life-changing diabetes technology has been made by Jamie Stone MP (Liberal Democrat). The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP is backing a nationwide “Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait” campaign. He attended an event in parliament hosted by Diabetes UK and Diabetes Scotland and […]
Obesity Debate
Speaking at the first-ever debate on preventing obesity and fatty liver disease in the UK Parliament, London Ealing Southall MP, Virendra Sharma (Labour) said: “[It] is a public health emergency. Liver disease mortality rates are outpacing those for other major conditions, such as diabetes or respiratory conditions.” In addition to fatty liver disease, obesity can […]
Diabetes is Serious Campaign Launch
Chris Green (Conservative) – the MP for Bolton West and Atherton, attended the “Diabetes is Serious” campaign launch in the House of Commons, which included a report revealing how there were 7,000 excess deaths involving the condition last year. Mr Green (left) said: “I was delighted to attend a Diabetes UK Reception to raise awareness […]
Fijian Diabetes Epidemic
According to the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over an “epidemic” of obesity in Fiji, which increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said two-thirds of adults in Fiji are already overweight or obese and the number of overweight children is also […]
Funding for Patient Group
As one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting approximately 3.6 million Canadians, with more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed every year, diabetes affects the lives of many beyond these statistics. PDGN Vice-President Sonia Sidhu MP, joined a session on diabetes at the World Non-Communicable Diseases Congress in Toronto. She attended on behalf of JeanYves […]
EU Effort to Reduce Medicine Costs
In search of more affordable medicines, the European Commission has proposed increase competition and to make generic and bio-similar medicines more readily available across the European Union. The use of generic and substitution drugs is well established in some EU countries, but not others and range from nearly 70 percent in Italy to under 20 […]
Diabetes Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy
Over 6,000 healthcare professionals from across Asia, Africa and the Middle East were brought together at a ‘Demystifying Neuropathy Forum’ organised by P & G Health. The online event saw presentations on the latest clinical guidance and research findings on screening and management of Peripheral Neuropathy. Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is a chronic clinical condition, wherein […]
70 percent of Thais at Risk of Diabetes
After a survey showed that over 7 in 10 people were at risk of diabetes in the Thai capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched the “Diabetes-Free Thais” campaign to show city-dwellers how they can combat the debilitating disease. A partnership between the Diabetes Association of Thailand and Merck Thailand is behind the campaign […]
Type 2 Monitoring Importance
Results of a study published in ‘Diabetes Therapy’ showed sustained improvements in readings for people with type 2 diabetes using an advanced Bluetooth connected blood glucose meter and a mobile phone app. According to study co-author, Dr. Elizabeth Holt, Head of Global Medical, Clinical, and Safety, LifeScan: “Blood glucose meters are used by over 95 […]
Questions Around Weight Loss Drugs
Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is administered through subcutaneous injections (under the skin). Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management. A study into weight […]
Hospital Admissions due to Diabetes
30 percent of Hospital Admissions in Trinidad & Tobago due to diabetes Trinidad and Tobago Senator, Charrise Seepersad, raised her concern that 30 per cent of admissions to TT’s hospitals were due to diabetes. Speaking in the Senate during the mid-year budget review, she proposed the consumption of wholesome, locally-grown foodstuffs to counter rising rates […]
Italy 1st to Introduce T1 Screening for Children
The Italian government has become the first to introduce a National Paediatric Screening Law for type 1 diabetes. Introduced by the Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Giorgio Mulè, the law was approved in the Health Commission. It is hoped the screening will help prevent children aged 1 to 17 most likely to be diagnosed […]
Combating NCDs in Namibia
Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula called for a need to ramp up interventions and strategies aimed at combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. He has highlighted the promotion of physical activity and adopting a healthy diet, specifically targeting the reduction of salt, sugar, and trans-fat intake to address obesity and […]
Diabetes and Tuberculosis (TB)
With 1.6 million People with TB and Diabetes the World Health Organisation has published advice under the heading ‘Invest for impact’. Diabetes is associated with about twice the risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease and a higher risk of multidrug-resistant TB. People with both TB and diabetes are twice as likely to die during TB treatment […]
Third of Type 1 Patients Insulin-Free With Stem Cells
Novel stem-cell transplant continues to show promise for achieving full insulin independence for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Trevor W. Reichman, MD, PhD, Surgical Director of Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation, Ajmera Transplant Center at the University of Toronto said: “We are hopeful that this first-of-its-kind research could be a gamechanger for the treatment of […]
Some Observations
The ADA Scientific Sessions are mostly what the title suggests, scientific and concentrating on research studies and commercial presentations. It was more about tomorrow than today. It was also disproportionately biased towards type 1 research, perhaps not surprisingly as that is where the big ticket technology is aimed. There were many presentations on advancements in […]
Diabetes and Heart Failure
Diabetes appears to play a critical role in the progression from preclinical heart failure to overt heart failure, according to a poster presented at the ADA Scientific Sessions. The researchers, Dr. Justin B. Echouffo Tcheugi, and colleagues, observed 383 heart failure events and 730 deaths over the 8.6 years of follow-up. Overall, the study showed […]
Type 1 Screening Studies Discussed
A three person panel discussed diabetes screening programs in their different countries. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, MD, Professor and Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Center Munich revealed the findings from a screening programme looking for early stages of type 1 diabetes. It found around 80 percent of children and adolescents who develop type […]
Low Carb Diets – Beneficial of Not?
A debate was held at the conference around the issue of low carb diets for people with diabetes. Carol F. Kirkpatrick, PhD, RDN, spoke first, arguing in favor of diets consisting of moderate, high-quality carbohydrates. Dina Hafez Griauzde, MD, countered that very low carbohydrate diets are more beneficial for people with diabetes, primarily type 2 […]
Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
In the US alone, up to two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes develop heart disease in their lifetime. A new study published at the conference found that a coordinated care approach improves care for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Advocacy Action: What are the statistics in your country for type 2 diabetes […]
Distress Linked to Diabetes
Research presented to the Conference suggested that in any 18-month period, a third to half of people with diabetes experience heightened levels of distress related to their condition and levels of depression among people with diabetes are up to three times more likely. The research also claimed that less than half of those who suffer receive […]
1.3 billion with Diabetes by 2050!
A series of studies published in ‘The Lancet’ estimates that the number of people living with diabetes will double by 2050. The researchers predict more than 1.3 billion people could suffer from the disease in 30 years – up from 529 million in 2021 – if there is no effort to address what they describe […]
Congratulations Thapi
PDGN’s Digital Leader Thapi Semenya has become a member of the ForbesBLK community. The mission of ForbesBLK is to champion a global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and creators that are driving systematic change in business, culture and society. Thapi says: “I am one person who believes in the power of collaboration and breaking […]
WHO Compact Presentation
The Global Diabetes Compact Forum (the Forum) was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to share and disseminate ideas, information and views that help advocate for the Compact, namely: a world where the risk of diabetes is reduced and where all people who are diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and […]
IDF KiDS Programme
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ‘Kids and Diabetes (KiDS) in Schools’ programme wants to highlight success stories from organisations that have implemented diabetes education activities in schools. The IDF KiDS programme aims to bring diabetes education to schools to fight diabetes-related stigma and promote healthy lifestyles for type 2 diabetes prevention. You can share your […]
Major Victory for DLC on Behalf of Patients
In a major victory for patients who depend on prescription drugs, Judge John D. Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a Trump administration federal rule that allowed health insurers to not count drug manufacturer copay assistance towards a beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs. The case was brought against the U.S. […]
Diabetes UK – New Chief Executive
Diabetes UK has appointed Colette Marshall as its new head following the departure of Chris Askew after eight years to take on the role of Chief Executive at the Royal College of General Practitioners. Ms Marshall, pictured right, has been Director of Services, Volunteering and Local Impact at Diabetes UK since 2013. Following her appointment […]
Tech News
Dexcom has announced that its next-generation real-time continuous glucose monitoring system, DexCom G7, is now available in Canada, for people with any type of diabetes, aged two years and older, including those who are pregnant. https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_74cb3d38-d30a-4cc6-a8d9-23bb9655ca4d Can an artificial intelligence test diagnose type 2 diabetes from a 6 second voice clip? A Canadian team claim […]
Research Corner
An Indian study has suggested that diabetes is linked to bone health, particularly among older people. https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/diabetes-major-threat-to-bone-health-reveals-new-study-2454373-2023-10-27 Scientists in Sweden have developed eye implants using insulin-producing cells that could treat diabetes. https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/miracle-cure-scientists-develop-eye-implants-using-insulin-producing-cells-that-could-treat-diabetes-13294092.html In Germany, Insulet has announced a full market release of Omnipod 5 – an automated insulin delivery system. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828947492/en/Insulet-Announces-Full-Market-Release-of-Omnipod%C2%AE-5-Automated-Insulin-Delivery-System-in-Germany