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 […]

Obesity Fuels Pakistan’s Diabetes Epidemic

A recent article published by The Express Tribune highlights a growing public health crisis in Pakistan: obesity is driving a dramatic rise in diabetes cases across the country. The article points out that Pakistan is grappling with an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, largely linked to the rising rates of obesity, a condition that affects […]

Childhood Diabetes on the Rise in Europe

A new study published in The Conversation has shed light on an alarming trend: childhood diabetes cases have sharply increased across Europe over the past 30 years. This rise in Type 1 diabetes among children, particularly pronounced in some countries, presents a significant challenge for public health systems across the continent. According to the study, […]

Usher Advocates for Diabetes Awareness on Capitol Hill

Grammy-winning artist Usher made headlines this week for his advocacy work on diabetes awareness, visiting Capitol Hill to champion early screening and healthcare access for those at risk. As a leading voice for public health, Usher has used his platform to draw attention to the critical need for early diabetes detection, with a focus on […]

Processed Foods Dominate Diets of Japanese Youth, Raising Health Concerns

A growing body of research is sounding the alarm on the increasing consumption of highly processed foods among Japanese children and adolescents. Studies reveal that over 45% of the energy in their daily diets comes from ultra-processed foods, contributing to poor nutrition, threatening long-term health, and raising the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity […]

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 […]

Don’t Forget World Diabetes Day: Mark Your Calendars for 14th November

14 November 2024 – World Diabetes Day (WDD), celebrated every year on November 14th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for improved health outcomes for those living with the condition. From 2024 to 2026, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has designated Diabetes and Well-being as the theme, reflecting the […]

The High Cost of Diabetes: Lifetime Medical Spending in the US

A new study published in Diabetes Care has shed light on the profound financial implications of type 2 diabetes for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. The research highlights the significant lifetime medical costs that can be attributed to managing type 2 diabetes, particularly in older adults, further emphasizing the economic burden associated with 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.