the
european
diabetes
newsletter J a n u a r y In this issue
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Inspiring testimonials of life with diabetes.
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10 minutes with Sophie Peresson.
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How we celebrated the World Diabetes Day.
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The IDF Europe activities for the WDD.
Stories inside
The EUBIROD project
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10 minutes with Sophie Peresson
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WDD in the Euro- 7 pean Parliament WDD across Europe
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The Grand Challenge, Delivering for diabetes in Europe
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Inspiring and emotional testimonials of life with diabetes Dear Friends I hope that you all had a peaceful and relaxing end of 2010. Over the past two months, I was privileged to witness two testimonials by exceptional persons living with diabetes in Europe. I wish to share these positive experiences with you. In November I was introduced to Mr Richard Lane, a retired chartered accountant from the United Kingdom and current President of Diabetes UK. I had never met this gentleman, however, I was immediately struck by his humility and genuine passion to relate his own experiences with diabetes. He does this with immense pride and a sense of humility. It was not easy for him to relate his tough experiences; however he firmly believes that by doing so, he is helping other persons living with the condition to look at life from a positive perspective. Richard’s optimism and positivity were evident throughout his presentation. He wants others to learn from his own life with diabetes to ensure that society is well educated on this condition and its complications. Richard spoke so passionately and openly about this condition – he also delved into the huge responsibilities and challenges to manage one’s diabetes - both for the person living with the condition and the immediate family. I first heard Richard’s testimonial at the Bayer’s Nursing Symposium in Cologne. His presentation was so inspiring and emotional that I asked Richard to make a similar presentation at our Together we are Stronger meeting two weeks later in Brussels.
Richard gladly accepted and those present at this meeting witnessed another remarkable presentation. Barely two weeks later, I was privileged to witness a n o t h e r testimonial. Kate Hirst, a young and charming lady f r o m Edinburgh, was invited as IDF Europe’s guest speaker to a dinner debate in the European Parliament that focused on Diabetes Prevention – Preventing Blindness. Kate spoke very openly about her life with diabetes which wasn’t an easy one. She recounted her numerous challenges to treat the complications of diabetes particularly her encounters with visual impairment and her strong will to fight this condition. Indeed she succeeded in life - she also managed to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher – she now teaches young children at a primary school in her home country (and incidentally one of her pupils is a young child with type 1 diabetes!). Kate has no problem whatsoever speaking about her diabetes – she is truly an inspiration to other youngsters with type 1 diabetes. Her words empowered other persons living with the condition and their families not to lose hope but to keep on fighting. Her parents, Sir Michael (President Elect, IDF Global) and Lady Naomi Hirst ought to be very proud of their young daughter and her accomplishments. (continued on page 2)
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Inspiring and emotional testimonials …
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Both experiences showed a strong sense of determination, courage and perseverance. Richard and Kate shared their journey from a diagnosis of diabetes to leading successful careers and becoming ambassadors for people living with diabetes. We must all learn from such experiences; diabetes should not be an obstacle in life – on the contrary, we must strive wholeheartedly to ensure that diabetes does not take over our lives. We all have a role to play in fighting the diabetes epidemic. Richard and Kate’s experiences inspired a wide range of people. Their testimonials sent a message to: Persons living with diabetes – not to lose hope! Parents of children living with diabetes – assuring them that notwithstanding the enormous challenges, there is a ray of light at the end of the tunnel! • For healthcare professionals – the importance of providing excellent care and medication to treat and manage diabetes effectively. • To IDF Europe, as the leading diabetes voice in Europe - to continue working wholeheartedly in favour of the millions of people living with diabetes around Europe.
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Thank you Richard and Kate – through your experiences you have showered us with inspiration and motivation to keep going on. Sincere best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Chris J Delicata President IDF Europe
The EUBIROD project "EUropean Best Information through Regional Outcomes in Diabetes" (www.eubirod.eu) is a three years public health project in the field of diabetes started on the 1st September 2008, sponsored by the European Union under the Health Information Strand of the Public Health Program (DG-SANCO) Its mission is to implement a sustainable European Diabetes Register through the coordination of existing national/regional frameworks and the systematic use of the open source BIRO technology (www.biro-project.eu). The aim of the system is to support the Conclusions of the EU Council for the systematic data collection and monitoring of diabetes complications and health outcomes across Europe. Participants are connected through a system that automatically generates local statistical reports and safely collects aggregate data to produce international reports of diabetes indicators. The results can be used to develop recommendations for policy makers and to deliver prompt information to people with diabetes and all citizens. the
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The EUBIROD project
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The EUBIROD Consortium is composed of partners from 20 EU countries and 1 access country plus IDF and is coordinated by Prof Massimo Massi Benedetti, former chair of IDF Europe. On 22 and 23 January with the occasion of a Consortium meeting held in Brussels, all the partners have reported the successful implementation of the system in their regional settings and Dr Fabrizio Carinci, technical coordinator of the project, presented the first report of the indicators deriving from the aggregated data of over 130,000 people with diabetes from centres in 18 countries. The report represents the platform for further refinement of the project and has open the way for future cooperation with public health institutions within and outside the EU. Such opportunities were also highlighted in their lectures by Dr Tuuli-Maria Mattila responsible of the HEIDI Project of the EU Public Health Directorate and by Prof John Lachin of the Washington University.
expressed his satisfaction for the positive evolution of the EUBIROD Project and confirmed the expectations for its integration with actions in support of the EU policy on Public Health. Between 23 and 25 January , in conjunction with the project Consortium meeting and in cooperation with the IDF Science Task Force it has been organized the 2nd BIRO Academy Training Course on Diabetes Registries. Participants from Europe, China, Barbados, Cuba, Lebanon, Tanzania have attended the course which was also intended as a pilot to test the effectiveness of the program in satisfying the different needs of highly variable environments. Given the positive outcome of the initiative the training course will be offered by the IDF Science Task Force to those IDF regions interested in this area of research and development which is becoming of increasing burning actuality.
Of particular relevance has been the More information on the two events can be participation of the EU Commissioner for obtained from the EUBIROD web site Health and Consumers Policy, John Dalli who (www.eubirod.eu/meetings.htm).
EU Commissioner John Dalli and the representatives of the Consortium of the EUBIROD project
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IDF Europe General Assembly and TWAS meeting in pictures
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Diabetes 2020 Diabetes 2020 Vision and Targets Project is about development of diabetes vision and targets for Turkey, as well as strategies needed to achieve them. IDF Europe was invited to attend the official launch of this exciting project in Istanbul on Saturday 18th December 2010. The IDF Europe delegation included Chris J Delicata (President), Joao Valente Nabais (President Elect) and Dr Michael S Hall (Honorary Consultant). Sir Michael Hirst, IDF Global President Elect was also present at this event. WHO Europe was represented by Mr Jose Martin Moreno, Director of Programmes Management. The summit included two panel discussions; the first panel focused on „A Global Burden of Disease: Diabetes‟ focusing on the European, Global and Turkish experience. The second panel focused on Diabetes 2020 and addressed the Diabetes policies in Turkey, the Conceptual framework of Diabetes 2020, the WHO and IDF policies and initiatives. More information at: www.diyabet2020.org
Diabetes Prevention and Education: Preventing Blindness On Tuesday, 7 December 2010, IDF Europe organized a policy dinner on “Diabetes Prevention and Education: Preventing Blindness” at the European Parliament. The event was hosted and moderated by MEP Dr Simon Busuttil, (EPP, Malta). IDF Europe’s goal is to increase awareness at EU policy level about the social, medical and financial realities of diabetes and the devastating impact of diabetes complications. Building on the five-year theme of WDD of “Diabetes Education and Prevention,” the policy dinner shed light on a complication that is feared most by people with diabetes – blindness. Diabetes macular edema (DME) is a devastating complication which affects people with diabetes and shares similar effects with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as both result in severe visual impairment and both benefit from similar treatments. The panel of speakers was composed of Mr Chris Delicata, President of IDF Europe, Dr Sehnaz Karadeniz, IDF Europe Board Member and leading Ophthalmologist, Ms Kate Hirst and Mr Don Curran (Co-Chair, AMD Alliance) who provided patient views of living with DME and AMD respectively, and Ms Katia Skarbek, Senior Health Economics Specialist from the International Diabetes Federation. The speakers, and the debate which followed, focused on the need for comprehensive cost effective solutions to inform people with diabetes of the possible complications related to the disease and how to manage diabetes in order to delay or prevent devastating complications. The meeting was supported by MEPs, the Novartis policy and advocacy teams, representatives of IDF Europe, FEND, AMD Alliance and the Standing Committee of European Doctors.
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10 minutes with Sophie Peresson In early January I asked the newly appointed Regional Manager Designate, Ms Sophie Peresson, to answer a few questions about her first thoughts and priorities regarding the IDF Europe office. [Question] Dear Sophie, some nine months ago IDF Europe posted the announcement for the position of Regional Manager. How did you perceive IDF Europe at that time and how did your perception change over time? [Sophie Peresson] I was impressed by the network of organizations representing a very strong community of interests which spans from research to patients. It is also a community with a high level of commitment and energy. Over this period I managed to match some often mentioned names with faces and to discuss with board members and the office staff. What positive and not so positive elements did you notice? The number of people represented is very high and if one considers the families, friends and work partners also affected, the numbers are staggering. This is a very strong element. The common vision is another strong element: few other diseases involve a common understanding of approach such as diabetes. There are shared values between the medical professionals and lay organizations. However, one challenge lies with the fact that the IDF name is less prominent in the Brussels public arena. Diabetes is also an overlooked condition. The health agenda is cluttered and therefore all health NGOs face the same challenge: getting their issue at the top of the political agenda while working with people with short mandates. There is also a negative perception of diabetes (mainly type 2) as it is seen a consequence of something “wrong� the
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people have done. In many countries, stigma is a significant barrier to understanding the condition and its consequences. How do you think that you could foster the improvement of the less positive aspects you mentioned? Given the growing number of people living with diabetes, we face a huge responsibility. We will also need to look into the future and promote prevention systematically - so little funds are allocated for prevention in general. We will need to protect not only the young, but also the active and the elderly. The condition is so complex and involves not only medical but social, educational or psychosocial dimensions - which decision makers must take into account in order to provide a holistic response. How do you think we should capitalize on the positive aspects? Bring all the positive experiences and resources to light. There is already developed good evidence to prove that the impact of diabetes is growing. We should continue to be providers of evidence across Europe . I look forward to working with the IDF Europe membership in order to collectively present the big picture of (continued on page 7)
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10 minutes with Sophie Peresson diabetes in Europe. Given its strong track record, IDF Europe is and will continue to be a reliable and trustworthy partner for decision makers. What do you outstanding?
think
makes
IDF
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I was impressed by the human dimension of the meeting. At the same time it addressed ve ry in te re stin g p rof e ssi on al an d organizational topics, it was well coordinated, to the point and inspiring.
Europe
There is an extraordinary experience in terms of therapeutic education and prevention. IDF brings together patients, health professionals, educators, nutritionists, specialists in psychology and sociology, as well as private companies. It identifies problems but also offers solutions. I think that IDF is also an important voice to protect human rights in Europe. This is a mature organization.
What are your thoughts at the beginning of your activity in IDF Europe? Do you have any priorities? I need to learn more about the needs of our members. My first priority is to learn enough about the organization so I will feel comfortable in addressing its main objectives. (the interview Andriciuc)
was
recorded
by
Cristian
You participated to the General Assembly in November last year. What are your impressions from that meeting?
World Diabetes Day in the European Parliament On 9 and 10 November 2010, a fifth diabetes screening event organized by IDF Europe took place in the European Parliament in Brussels to mark World Diabetes Day 2010. The event was supported by the Co-Chairs of the EU Diabetes Working Group with a leading role of Marisa Matias MEP who hosted the event. Previous diabetes screening events were organized in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (2002, 2004) and Brussels (2003, 2009) In line with the global World Diabetes Day theme of ‘prevention and education’, the event aimed to: prioritize diabetes on the EU agenda (as part of IDF Europe’s efforts towards an EU strategy and Council Recommendation on diabetes) and raise awareness on the importance and benefits of prevention and screening (in line with the global World Diabetes Day campaign on diabetes education and prevention). On 9 and 10 November HbA1c testing, diabetes risk test (available on laptops) and provision of information on diabetes prevention, diagnosis and
Commissioner John Dalli taking the diabetes test (continued on page 5) (continued on page 8)
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World Diabetes Day in the European Parliament
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control by healthcare (nurses and doctors).
Sister Margueritte De Clerck during the press conference
Simon Busuttil MEP, Commisioner John Dalli, Marisa Matias MEP and Joao Nabais, President Elect of IDF Europe
Joao Nabais IDF Europe, Marisa Matias MEP, Simon Busuttil MEP and Commissioner John Dalli the
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During two days HbA1c testing and diabetes information was offered to MEPs, European Commission officials, Member State representatives and other stakeholders present in the Parliament. The testing was conducted by qualified nurses. Doctors were present to provide information and respond to questions. On 9 November a press conference was hosted by the EUDWG and there was presented a trailer of the ‘Lifeblood’ documentary. The press conference was attended by Sister De Clerck, Simon Busuttil MEP, Marisa Matias MEP and Joao Nabais, President Elect of IDF Europe. On 10 November the European Health Commissioner John Dalli visited the ‘ B l u e C i r cl e s c r e e n i n g s p a c e ’ . Commissioner Dalli visited the screening space and took a haemoglobin test. He met the IDF Europe President-elect Joao Nabais, Sister Marguerite De Clerck and CoChairs of the EU Diabetes Working Group Marisa Matias MEP, Christel Schaldemose MEP and Simon Busuttil MEP, for a short and informal exchange of views. In total, some 160 people were tested (HbA1c), including 11 MEPs and several European Commission officials (e.g. DG Research). The European Commission, DG SANCO, supported the initiative and the main messages with respect to diabetes prevention and the need for screening. Although European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek was not able to visit the Blue Circle screening area himself, his cabinet did respond positively to the initiative. Several cabinet members took the diabetes test.
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Armenia To celebrate World Diabetes Day the Armenian Association of Diabetes (AAD) held for three days several activities in Yerevan and Goumry:
• education seminars for health professionals • diabetes screenings and patient education activities in more than 12 hospitals of Yerevan and other Armenian towns and primary care units • a natio nal Radio and TV awareness campaign • public seminars for the general public • on 13 November we organized a conference that was attended by 276 members of AAD ( doctors, nurses, patients). During the conference specialists in diabetes offered presentations of the latest topics in diabetes: Professor N Valevodz (Moscow, Russia), Dr Alexander Mayorov (Moscow), E Shelestova (Georgia) and the Pres ident of the Diabetes Association of Georgia Prof R Kurashvili, the deputy Minister of Health A Xukasyan (Armenia) • on 14 November the conference was visited by the Armenian First Lady. • on 14 November, the Armenian Parliament House was lit in blue.
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Bulgaria The Bulgarian Diabetes Association (PWD) started celebrating the diabetes month in October, with outdoor activities (walking, swimming, table tennis , chess and darts) in the Levski Sport Club. Some 200 persons attended the event. In November, the Bulgarian Diabetes Association and Marvena Bulgaria supported the global campaign for prevention and control of diabetes, which aims to raise awareness of diabetes and advocate for improved diabetes care and prevention. Bulgarian Diabetes Association in partnership with Marvena Bulgaria joined the WDD global campaign by lighting in blue one of the most significant cultural monuments of Bulgaria - the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”. Around 100 volunteers with blue umbrellas made a Blue Circle – the global diabetes symbol in front of the National Theatre. The campaign received broad media coverage in over 20 national media (TV, broadcast, press and Internet) and attracted the attention of both media and the broad audience. Marvena Bulgaria initiated a Facebook page and a Twitter profile of World Diabetes Day in Bulgarian. Thus the Bulgarian audience is regularly informed about very useful and actual information concerning the control and prevention of diabetes. The audience has access to a very wide range of information including – myths and facts about diabetes, various examples for recipes and physical exercises for both people with diabetes and those who are at risk. the
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Cyprus
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Georgia Georgia celebrated the WDD for the 16th time. This event became popular, reaching a large number of people throughout the country. In November Mr Gigi Tsereteli, the Vice-speaker of the Parliament, Mr Otar Toidze, the Chairman of the Medical Committee of the Parliament, Dr Andro Urushadze, the Minister of Public Health, journalists together with people with diabetes and their family members participated in the event. Speeches, discussions, and private conversations took place in friendly and relaxing surroundings. It followed a tempting event presented by a catering firm. Their menu includes a large variety of cold and hot starters, soups, main courses, deserts, and bakery. The firm approached our association for cooperation. It was decided that the firm will promote healthy
dishes and ways of cooking, and each course will have indicated the nutrition facts (calories, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) per portion. This is the first time in Georgia when a consumers may not only have healthier choices, but also know how much nutrients are included in a portion. The firm organized a “fourchette� party for all the participants. Each course had a sticker with nutrition information by its side. It was met with deep interest and satisfaction. The cooperation started last year continues and the firm now is producing bread, using healthy ingredients. Nutrition facts (especially salt content) are placed on the paper band that is put on a loaf. Future interesting plans are being discussed.
Israel In 2010 we have decided to highlight the importance of balancing the HbA1c. In the central square of Tel-Aviv, the City Hall square, 7 acrobats from 7 different countries and wearing the number 7 on their shirts performed a 40 minutes show of walking, cycling and balancing themselves on a cable 7 meters long and set 7 meters high. This was to emphasize the importance of keeping the balance of HbA1c on the level of maximum 7. The whole event was sponsored by MSD.
could be heard miles away announced every 7 minutes about the importance of balancing HbA1c, and calling people to be freely screened by the Israeli Diabetes Association.
We had in the square our mobile lab with 2 stations of Haemoglobin testing and 5 stations of HbA1c accompanied by one doctor advising. Printed materials, as well as information, were distributed by 6 volunteers of the Association. The performance was breathtaking and could The square (big enough to hold 30,000 people) easily compete with any circus. was especially illuminated. There was music playing and a barricade of loudspeakers that The request for information was a surprise the
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Israel even for us and emphasized the ignorance of these subjects despite the huge amounts of advertisement and propaganda made by us all year round. In 3 hours, 350 people were screened. The results were quite alarming: also not tested in ideal conditions – fasting or 2 hours after meal, 16% were above 140 and 8% were over 200! This shows the importance of maintaining such events more often.
Kazakhstan In October the Diabetes Association of the action needs to be taken, mainly for Republic of Kazakhstan organized in Astana a prevention of the onset of diabetes or its forum called “Diabetes—Time to act!”. complications; medical professionals need to receive proper training for effectively The forum was attended by representatives of identifying and managing diabetes; early the Secretariat of the National Commission for prevention programmes have to be supported Family Affairs and Gender Policy by the national plans; establish diabetes Administration of the President of the Republic reference centres in at least two cities in of Kazakhstan, the Senate and the Parliament Kazakhstan. of the Republic, the Ministry of Health, international organizations, IDF global, IDF In November, to mark the World Diabetes Europe, NGOs, pharmaceutical companies and Day, the Diabetes Association of the Republic mass media. of Kazakhstan participated in a press conference held by the local administration of In the resolution of the forum there was the Akmola district. stipulated that: the diabetes prevalence is increasing in Kazakhstan (from 106 per The press conference was attended by several 100.000 in 2004 to 148 in 2009); diabetes politicians, specialists and persons with management moved beyond the medical diabetes (G Shukeeva, G Mazhenova, S approach into a sectorial approach; firm (continued on page 14)
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Kazakhstan
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Niyazova, A Rachimzhanova, N Kenzhetaeva, G Syzdykova and S Musaelian). The speakers presented the importance of the 14 of November and how each community has to look for its resources in order to prevent and better control diabetes. The region faces an annual increase of the number of people affected by diabetes of about 7%. Prior to the press conference there were several activities mainly supported by schools—as investing in the young generation is more effective and may also influence the famili es. Children , teach ers, educators, doctors and association members supported these activities. It was accounted that more than 100,000 persons were involved in this awareness campaign. Between 13 and 15 of November several buildings were illuminated in blue: hospitals, policlinics and the medical school.
The press covered widely the activities triggered by the World Diabetes Day. There were 20 articles printed in the newspapers and five in the electronic media. With the support of the Ministry of Health there were distributed 1,000 posters, more than 35,000 leaflets, 1,400 brochures and 8,000 booklets about diabetes.
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Lithuania The Lithuanian Diabetes Association is celebrating the World Diabetes Day for the 18th consecutive year. More and more people participate. Unfortunately more and more are discovered with diabetes. On 12 November we held in Vilnius the Conference ,,Diabetes Prevention and Education� and more than 320 people participated. Close to the 14 of November the Republican Radio and Television broadcasted special programmes about diabetes and about people living with diabetes. The printed press contributed to the celebration of the World Diabetes Day with articles and pictures from different activities in Vilnius and the regions. The IDF WDD posters were translated in Lithuanian printed and distributed during the awareness campaigns at central and local level. We also translated in Lithuanian the IDF booklet on “World Diabetes Day� and published it in two thousand copies. 57 clubs affiliated with the LDA organized awareness campaigns, events for children and adolescents, and free screenings for diabetes or
diabetes complications. There were tested about 6,5 thousand people with severe risk factors. 9,5% people were found with high levels of glucose, 80% - obese, 25,5% have family members with diabetes. Blood glucose was tested for more than 500 people with diabetes who wanted to do this test. More than 44% of the tested people were found with very high levels of glucose and were referred to visit a specialist. Data collected during this period was sent to the Ministry of Health and the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Romania In Romania the World Diabetes Day was celebrated by all the local organizations and some of their corporate partners. Mass media was involved and several city halls supported 14 of November by lighting iconic buildings in blue. A newly established children association from Bucharest hold its event with the members, supporters and press on 30 October. It was followed by the Romanian Diabetes Association who had its event one week later on 6 November. On 11 of November there was held a press conference, attended by representatives of the Romanian Federation of Diabetes Patients Associations, Diabetes Associations from Bucharest, the Diabetes Nurses Association and supported by Eli Lilly. The Conference announced the event to be organized on 14 of November in front of the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest and discussed the 2011 topics. On 14 of November several associations had activities in the streets and shopping centres in order to raise awareness about diabetes, share information with the general public and offer free tests for blood glucose, blood pressure or waist measures. The event in the Bucharest was attended by public figures from show and media. The event, that presented also the trailer for the IDF movie Lifeblood, ended with a show of lying candles, appreciated by everybody. All the major TV and radio stations had special shows or information about the diabetes and the World Diabetes Day.
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Serbia 3 October: Our first marathon runner who has type 1 diabetes, Ninoslav Rašković, ran the “Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon” from Minneapolis to St Paul. This event is organized annually by the company for their users around the globe. Among the 8212 contestants in the race, Ninoslav came in at the 3614th position, clocking in at 04:06:23, wearing the banner ”Diabetes didn’t end the run”.
14-16 October: The “Blue Circle” Belgrade Diabetes Association participated at the 35th International Medical Trade Fair in Belgrade, as a guest of the event. The stand was very popular, with over 300 blood glucose tests
performed, and diabetes diagnosed in two people. 21 October: The Diabetes Association of Serbia called a number of local diabetes associations at a working meeting in preparation for the World Diabetes Day. Brochures, flyers, FINDRISC questionnaires and IDF campaign posters were distributed to local societies to facilitate implementation of activities planned to mark the day in various communities. 11-14 November: Members of the Diabetes Association of Serbia and the “Blue Circle” Belgrade Diabetes Association carried out risk assessment for type 2 diabetes on members of the Serbian Parliament and other Parliament employees, as they commonly checked their blood glucose levels only when taking part in similar the
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diabetes, and another 3 were unaware of their high blood glucose levels. 14 November: The fifth “Global Diabetes Walk” took place at Popova plaža in Zaječar. Around 100 citizens took part in the walk, with a lecture, blood glucose
screening and questionnaires November.
campaigns, i.e. once a year. After two days, with 250 blood glucose tests and medical consults, results confirmed that 24 persons were at high risk of developing type 2
filling out of FINDRISC taking place on 15
14 November: The “Diabetes Forum 2010 Diabetes control is our mutual goal” session was held in the Belgrade City Hall was attended by Professor Antonio Ceriello of IDF Europe, along with representatives from the Serbian Ministry of Health and (continued on page 20)
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World Diabetes Day across Europe Serbia
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the blue circle pin on their lapels throughout the day. Representatives of the Diabetes Association of Serbia were featured in their morning programs as well as the news. Facebook users replaced their profile photos with a blue circle, spreading this major global event further into the virtual world.
president of Diabetes Association of Serbia. There were around 300 attendees, followed by numerous TV and media crews.
30 November: Diabetes Convention was held in Vojvodina Assembly in Novi Sad, attended by Vice President of the Assembly and representatives of diabetes associations of Vojvodina.
As part of the WDD monuments challenge in Belgrade, the following city features were lit in blue: Avala Tower, “Pobednik” monument at Kalemegdan, “Albanija” Palace, The Republic Square, "Moskva" Hotel, “Slavija” Square, Ada Ciganlija and the New Railway Bridge. Presenters on three national TV stations and one local TV station wore
Ukraine In order to attract attention to the diabetes problems the Ukrainian Diabetes Federation (UDF) organized a number of important and memorable events.
In the same evening, in accordance with the UN Resolution, the recommendations of IDF, and as a sign of solidarity with the people affected by diabetes across the world, the central pillar of the country's main square - Stella Independence was lit in the blue ray of hope. Video spots devoted to the World Diabetes Day, were displayed on a large plasma screen during the whole day.
A special event was organized in the Central Square of Kiev – Maydan Nezalejnosti – on 14 November. Being dressed in blue waistcoats, hand in hand, all volunteers formed a circle, symbolizing the emblem of World Diabetes Day. One of the TV channels organized the 3rd diabetes TV marathon on the problems of the
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Ukraine diabetes, which was attended by representatives of the authorities, local governments, medical professionals, members of civic organizations, and people with diabetes. The photography exhibition “Every day – is yours” was opened, where five Ukrainian professional photographers presented their best works. Each
photographer accompanied a person with diabetes and witnessed their daily routines across the day. The photos show the way of life of ordinary citizens who find the strength to fight the disease. These images presented everyday life from the perspective that: "Life goes on at all times - every day belongs to you!" The exhibition was sponsored by Sanofi Aventis.
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The Grand Challenge: Delivering for diabetes in Europe On Wednesday 8 December 2010 the EU Diabetes Working Group (EUDWG) held a plenary meeting, “The Grand Challenge: Delivering for Diabetes in Europe”, in the European Parliament to discuss the need for an EU Strategy for Diabetes. The meeting, co -hosted by the MEP Co-Chairs Simon Busuttil and Christel Schaldemose, and organized by the European Coalition for Diabetes (ECD), included presentations of diabetes policy recommendations in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, management, education and research. The recommendations had been developed by five Working Groups of leading European diabetes experts coordinated by the ECD and were presented as the basis for a proposed EU Strategy for Diabetes. The meeting included interventions by several high-level speakers, namely Joanna Darmanin, Head of Cabinet of John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Patricia Reilly, Member of Cabinet of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Christiaan Decoster, Director-General of the Belgian Federal Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, and Zsuzsanna Jakab, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe. The Working Group presentations were followed by an open discussion with the audience on how to deliver for diabetes in Europe, moderated by Dr Michael Hall from the International Diabetes Federation European Region (IDF Europe) and Anne Felton, President of the Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND). A new NGO - the Association for the Protection of Human Rights of Independently Displaced Population (refugees) was founded in Georgia in December 2010. The Association will work to represent a population that already reaches 300000. In January a Memorandum was signed between the Association and GUDEAS. Uniting powers we can change existing reality.
International Diabetes Federation - European Region Chaussée de La Hulpe, 166-C3 B-1170, Brussels, Belgium Phone: +32 25371889 Fax: +32 25371981 E-mail: newsletter@idf-europe.org
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the european diabetes newsletter is an internal publication edited by IDF Europe using the contributions of the member organizations and collaborators. If you would like to contribute with articles or news to our newsletter please write to Cristian Andriciuc, External Relations coordinator cristian@idf-europe.org The next issue of the newsletter is planned to be ready at the end of April 2011. Please send your materials before 20 April 2011.