PDGN News: Successful Symposium Highlights Inequalities

At the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, PDGN held a symposium looking at the importance of national plans and how they can set targets and help disadvantaged groups access diabetes services.

Chaired by former UK Health Minister and PDGN Co-Chair, John Bowis OBE (left), the event first heard from three excellent speakers.

The first presentation was from Professor Katherine Barnard (centre) on the challenges facing governments when addressing diabetes. She drew upon the latest research and data to that can be used to support evidence backed decision making.

A practical example of pushing legislation for a national plan through a Parliament was given by Sonia Sidhu MP (left). She helped develop the national diabetes plan recently passed in Canada, having built a broad coalition of supporters inside and outside her Parliament.

National Specialty Advisor, Diabetes with NHS England and co-author of the national Diabetes GIRFT report, Professor Partha Kar OBE (right) rounded off the symposium with his observations as a medical practitioner about the practical realities of plans and targets. You can view the session here:

PDGN would like to thank Dexcom for their support to make the symposium possible.