The T1D Index Enhancements in 2024
The T1D Index has emerged as a transformative tool since its initial launch in September 2022, redefining how we measure the global impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The T1D Index has been pivotal in highlighting the human and public health challenges of T1D while identifying targeted interventions. Its 2024 updates introduce critical new capabilities […]
Government of Punjab Province in Pakistan Announces Insulin Program
In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of the “Punjab Insulin Program,” an initiative aimed at ensuring home delivery of life-saving insulin to children living with type 1 diabetes. The programme, which begins as a pilot in three districts, highlights a commitment to improving healthcare access for […]
EHFG 2024- Navigating the Shifting Sands of Health
From September 24 – 27, 2024, the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) will host a crucial gathering of health advocates, policymakers, and thought leaders, both in Gastein and online. The forum’s theme, “Shifting Sands of Health – Democracy, Demographics, Digitalisation,” highlights the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities shaping Europe’s health landscape. The health community faces […]
World Leaders Commit to Strengthening Participatory Decision Making in Health Systems
For the first time in history, world leaders have united to prioritise social participation within global health systems. In a landmark resolution passed by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments around the world are now committed to empowering people, communities, and civil society by ensuring their […]
Diabetes Screening During Pregnancy Should Begin Sooner
Pregnant women should be tested for diabetes much earlier than the current standard practice of between 24 and 28 weeks, according to new research that has significant global implications. Gestational diabetes, a condition that emerges exclusively during pregnancy, affects 1 in 7 pregnancies worldwide. Without timely intervention, gestational diabetes can cause complications for the mother […]
Time Constraints in Diabetes Care: A Growing Crisis in Europe
A report published by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) highlights a critical issue in diabetes care across Europe: the insufficient consultation time that people with diabetes receive from General Practitioners (GPs). This significant barrier is increasingly linked to poorer health outcomes, contributing to higher rates of complications and rising healthcare costs. […]
Artificial Intelligence Simplifies Diagnosis
A groundbreaking AI-driven imaging system has achieved a 98% accuracy rate in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions by analysing the colour of the human tongue. This innovative technology, developed by engineering researchers at Middle Technical University (MTU) and the University of South Australia (UniSA), can detect conditions such as diabetes, stroke, anaemia, asthma, liver […]
Insulin Cost Caps in the United States Are Not Delivering Intended Results
Study Exposes Limitations of State-Level Insulin Cost Caps in the United States and Calls for Targeted Policy Reform A first-of-its-kind study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado has revealed significant shortcomings in state-level insulin out-of-pocket cost caps in the U.S., a measure widely hailed as a solution to insulin affordability. Despite their promise, […]
Can Policy Save the Traditional Diets?
Recent research published in Advances in Nutrition has shed light on the growing shift from traditional diets to processed foods, a change that is contributing to increasing health problems, including diabetes. Traditional diets, which are rooted in cultural practices and typically involve fresh, home-cooked meals, are being displaced by the convenience of processed foods. The […]
JDRF Becomes Breakthrough T1D
JDRF, the leading global organisation for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy, has rebranded as Breakthrough T1D. The new name, revealed during the annual Government Day conference in Washington, D.C., reflects the organisation’s expanded mission and the evolving understanding of T1D. Originally known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF was founded in 1970 […]
Research Corner
Using research to make your case with decision makers is always important. Some recent studies are referenced below with links to the detail. Please let us know, info@pdgn.org.uk if you have used any of these in your advocacy. Randomised controlled trials have shown that total diet replacement (TDR) can lead to remission of type 2 […]
Tech News
A person with diabetes in Scotland has been saved from leg amputation through the use of new microwave technology. Dexcom’s G6 CGM system combines with AID in Netherlands.
Rise in sale of counterfeit obesity reducing drugs
Websites and stores selling counterfeit semaglutide products amidst the rise in demand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert concerning counterfeit diabetes drugs, specifically semaglutide GLP-1, which are being sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as unbranded products. These medications are intended for the treatment of type […]
Research funding in Canada’s federal budget
Top researchers in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D) signed an open letter in support of renewed funding for the JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D) and CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) Partnership to Defeat diabetes through Federal Budget 2024, for a promising approach to curing type 1 diabetes (T1D) called islet replacement therapy. In […]
A Leap for Students in India
Students in India can now carry glucometers and strips, medicines, snacks and water India has the largest number of children with diabetes, but the country’s education system, like many others in the world, did not allow the students to carry their diabetes supplies and hypo snacks, and use them during exams. This caused great agony […]
Baby food found to contain more added sugars in low-and-middle income countries
A recent investigation conducted by Public Eye and the Baby Food Action Network has revealed alarming discrepancies in the sugar content of Nestlé baby foods sold across different regions. An international study, conducted in Belgium, sampled Nestlé’s baby food products, collected from Asia, Latin America, and Africa, that were analyzed for sugar content. The results […]
Local insulin production in Pakistan
The country with the 5th largest population will have over 60 million people living with diabetes by 2045. Rising inflation rates in Pakistan have made it difficult for insulin manufacturers to import insulin and market them at the prices capped by the country’s drug regulatory authority. This has led to three critical shortages of insulin […]
Disparities in Access to Insulin Pumps in Scotland
There is a critical situation regarding access to insulin pump technology for people with diabetes in Scotland. According to reports, the health board in Lothian has limited pump availability to children and pregnant women only. People with diabetes who rely on pumps for managing their condition may face challenges if they are unable to access […]
The Power of Lived Experience in Diabetes Care
A comment in The Lancet journal (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(24)00032-9/abstract) highlights the importance of community involvement in diabetes policymaking and provides key insights into how such policies can benefit people living with diabetes, health professionals, health service providers, and diabetes community organisations. Most national and international research funding bodies now require community involvement in diabetes care. To be […]
Emma Klatman – Leading the Charge in Advocacy!
“Diabetes didn’t happen to me ; it happened for me” Emma Klatman illuminated the conversation as she shared her compelling journey in diabetes advocacy during our recent interview. Serving as the Global Policy and Advocacy Manager at Life for a Child, an organization extending support to over 58,000 children and young individuals living with diabetes […]
From Sana’s Desk – An unforgettable Purple Heart story
Insurance Coverage – a determinant of health and life for young people with diabetes in the US! Some time ago, I watched a Netflix movie “The Purple Heart” with horror. Later, I convinced myself that the story may be unique or fictitious! If you have not watched it yet, I recommend you to do so. […]