News

16th November 2004

Call to tackle the growing diabetes problem

Left to right: Dr. Wim Wientjens (President, International Diabetes Federation), David Byrne, John Bowis, Markos Kyrianou

The European Commission has today been presented with a "Call for Action" on diabetes in the form of an EU Framework for Diabetes.

The declaration in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, signed by representatives of European and national diabetes associations, was handed over by John Bowis MEP to the current Health Commissioner David Byrne and to the in-coming Health Commissioner, Marcos Kyprianou.

Diabetes has become a leading cause of death in Europe and an increasingly uncontrolled health problem. It carries with it a 3-4 times higher risk of major cardiovascular complications and is now the most common cause of heart attacks and strokes; it is also a major reason for amputation and micro vascular disease in the kidneys and eyes.

Action at European level is needed to share best practice and benchmark national approaches. An EU framework could also encourage the creation of minimum standards for diabetes prevention, diagnosis and control, including early screening and appropriate intervention on glycaemic control, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

John Bowis, London MEP and Conservative Spokesman on Health in the European Parliament, said:

"Over 30 million people live with diabetes in the European Union. Many people are undiagnosed, leaving them exposed to the risks and costly complications associated with the disease.

We need to raise awareness of the symptoms and share best practice, for example, on screening people".