the european diabetes newsletter no 23

J u l y 2 0 1 1 P a g e 1

St o r i e s

i n s i d e

IDF Europe Youth

Camp

1

The European

Citizens’ Award

2011

5

Diabetes and

Blindness

7

Opening the door

for the exchange

programme

10

It’s summer

time, it’s vacation

time

12

WHO Ministerial

Conference

13

From our

members

15

Focus on a

Member

Association

23

the european diabetes newsletter

N o . 2 3 J u l y 2 0 1 1

In t h i s i s s u e

IDF Europe Summer

Camp

The European Citizens

Award

Diabetes and Blindness

The WHO Ministerial

Conference on NCDs.

(continued on page 2)

The idea of organizing an international youth camp for the member associations was

discussed and approved in 2010 by the members of the board. The initial screening of

potential locations was done before Rogla, Slovenia was suggested. The selection

process was an open competition that attracted applicants from 21 countries. A

coordination board was nominated to take care of the selection of the participants and

the preparation of the agenda for the camp. It was indicated the need for a balance

between the education sessions and the cultural and physical activities.

Before May a group of 24 young representatives from 22 organizations were selected.

To facilitate the integration and preparation of the different activities suggested for

the camp a Facebook page was established and all the participants were invited to

share their thoughts and hopes for the coming event. The social page proved to be an

effective means of communication complementing the regular email announcement

and requests.

At the end of the camp, the reactions of the participants and of the contributors are

more than relevant:

“We had a very interesting group of young adults, with high potential, full of energy,

motivated, intelligent and willing to collaborate actively with IDF and their national

diabetes associations.”

“The speakers were great and it was good to hear informal comments from

professionals and people who are active in the field of diabetes and know what they

are doing.”

“Workshop sessions informed the participants on how things are in other countries,

The IDF Europe International Youth Summer Camp

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such as the differences between health systems and diabetes clubs.”

“It was awesome, I really liked all the things we did here and it was amazing.”

“All the physical activities were great. You had arranged them very well. Thank you very much.”

“I think that everyone did something new and challenged him/herself. And it was a great way

to spend time together in sport.”

“Really good, flexible, different and funny.”

“It was a lovely opportunity that continued to build my character and made me stronger. So

yes my expectations were met.”

“We had food when we were hungry, we did not have time to lie on a bed- that’s a very good

thing when you do not get bored at all.”

“I was not sure what to expect at first to be honest, but I was blown away by the different

cultures and lifestyles of the different participants. I think the camp exceeded my expectations

especially as regards to the workshop sessions and the different presentations that were

prepared.”

The camp was made possible with the support of Eli Lilly, Roche Diagnostics and IDF Europe.

“Everything was amazing. Let us

come back next year!”

The IDF Europe International Youth Camp (continued from page 1)

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“I had an awesome time and really feel

that I have learnt a lot. I now know

how to better pursue my dreams

thanks to you guys!”


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“We adults have learnt a lot

from these youths. They were

truly inspiring and motivating.” (Chris Delicata)


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Friday, 29 July 2011 This year the European Citizens’ prize is awarded to Chris Delicata, President and Regional Chair of the International Diabetes Federation Europe Region (IDF Europe) for his outstanding contribution to the fight against diabetes. The award ceremony took place at Europe House in Valletta on Wednesday, presided by Maltese Member of the European Parliament, Simon Busuttil. The event was attended, amongst others, by Dr Joe Cassar, Minister of Health, Elderly and Community Care in Malta, Maltese Members of Parliament, and Government Officials. Mr Delicata, senior manager at GasanMamo Insurance Limited, a leading insurance company based in Malta, has dedicated an overwhelming amount of time to fighting diabetes by actively contributing to Maltese and European projects. He works with the aim of helping raise awareness of the disease and enhance the quality of lives of people who live with diabetes. Mr Delicata was surprised and deeply honoured to receive the prestigious award. His emotive acceptance speech described the impact that diabetes had had on him and his family. Mr Delicata first learnt about diabetes when his eldest son Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes twelve years ago. “I did not want Diabetes to takes over my life – on the contrary I wanted to do something tangible for Diabetes. I felt that if I wanted something to be done, then I must offer my contribution... I feel proud that I have managed to turn one of the worst episodes in my life to a positive one for me and my family.” – Mr Delicata Dr Busuttil was there to congratulate Mr Delicata and reiterated that this award reflects the hard work, integration and achievements of the Maltese people since joining the European Union in 2004. "This award recognizes the notable

contribution of Chris Delicata in the fight against Diabetes at the EU level. His work has helped bring Europeans together to work harder and more effectively against Diabetes. In this way he has shown himself to be a true, exemplary European citizen." - Dr Busuttil Dr Busuttil also paid tribute to the struggle of diabetes in Malta and called for greater government involvement to help combat this disease. Mr Delicata also met with His Excellency President Dr George Abela at San Anton Palace and the Honourable Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi at Auberge de Castille, who thanked him on behalf of the Maltese people. The award ceremony also included a key note speech from Sir Michael Hirst, President-Elect of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) who echoed the importance of a national diabetes plan. “The International Diabetes Federation is absolutely delighted that Chris Delicata has been given the European Citizen’s Award for his voluntary work on diabetes. Chris is a most deserving winner of this prestigious award. His hard work in Malta and throughout Europe as President of IDF Europe has rightly been recognised, and is inspirational to all people whose children develop type 1 diabetes. It is a signal honour also for IDF Europe.” - Sir Michael Hirst

The European Citizens Award 2011 goes to Maltese citizen Chris

Delicata from

the International Diabetes Federation

European Region

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Background note: Since 2009, the European Parliament has awarded the Civi Europaeo Praemium—European Citizens' Prize on a yearly basis to reward outstanding contributions to European public life. On 17 March 2011, the Chancellery of the European Parliament, chaired by President Jerzy Buzek, drew up a list of European Citizens' Prize winners nominated from across the European Union. The list, which includes Mr Delicata, is made up of individuals and organizations including scientists, artists, historians, campaigners, academics, student and voluntary organizations and sports associations. Prizes are awarded to nominees at public award ceremonies held near the recipients' respective places of residence, and are presented by the President of the European Parliament, one of the Vice-Presidents or a representative of the European Parliament designated by the President.

The European Citizens Award 2011 (continued from page 5)

Sir Michael Hirst, Mr Chris Delicata and Dr Busuttil Mr Chris J. Delicata, Minister of Health, Elderly and Community

Care Joe Cassar and Sir Michael Hirst

Dr Kenneth Grech, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of

Health congratulating Mr Chris. Delicata

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Diabetes and Blindness

Round table in Valletta, Malta As a follow up of the meeting held last December in the European Parliament, a roundtable breakfast meeting on Diabetes Prevention and Education: Preventing Blindness was held in Malta on Saturday 21st May 2011. The event organized by IDF Europe in collaboration with the Maltese

Diabetes Association and the Office of Simon Busuttil was hosted and moderated by MEP Dr Simon Busuttil (EPP, Malta). The Malta event is the first of three roundtable national meetings scheduled for 2011. The other two events will be held in Germany and Spain later.

IDF Europe’s goal is to increase awareness at EU policy makers of the social, medical and financial realities of diabetes and the devastating impact of diabetes complications. Building on the five-year theme of World Diabetes Day “Diabetes Education and Prevention”, the breakfast meeting shed light on a complication that is feared most by people with diabetes – blindness. Diabetic 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 meeting was also addressed by Mr John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Hon Dr Peter Micallef, Parliamentary Assistant representing the Minister of Health, Elderly and Community Care, and Dr Joe Cassar. The panel of speakers was composed of Mr Chris Delicata, President of IDF Europe, Dr Margaret Morgan (Ireland), Dr Mario J. Cachia (Malta), Dr Thomas Fenech (Malta). There were also two patient testimonials from Ms Kate Hirst (the UK) and Ms Christine Mifsud (Malta). The breakfast meeting recorded good attendance levels from local MPs, senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Elderly and Community Care in Malta, patient organizations, civil society, nurses, doctors, general practitioners, ophthalmologists and diabetes experts.


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t h e e u r o p e a n d i a b e t e s n e w s l e t t e r

Diabetes and Blindness: Round table in Valletta, Malta (continued from page 7)

EU Commissioner

John Dalli

addressing the

meeting.

Outside the

meeting hall a

test site for the

people on the

street.

Dr Busuttil taking

the glucose test

outside the

meeting hall.

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IDF Europe issues the advocacy toolkit on Diabetes and Blindness

IDF Europe issued the toolkit for advocating to prevent blindness in persons living with

diabetes. The tool kit includes a background document explaining how poorly managed diabetes can result in blindness, a questions and answers document, a letter of the

President of IDF Europe to the Member Associations and a letter to the policy makers.

The package is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

The documents may be downloaded from the IDF Europe Intranet (http://intranet-

europe.idf.org). The English version of the Q&A and Background information may be also downloaded from the IDF Europe website. The Malta round table and the publication of the advocacy tool were made possible by an unrestricted

education grant offered by Novartis.

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Diabetes UK campaign “Stop avoidable sight loss”

As a response to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) ruling against the use of Lucentis (Ranibizumab) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) within the NHS, Diabetes UK launched a signature campaign. Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said, "This decision means more people will needlessly lose their sight. We pressed hard to make this treatment available on the NHS and we will campaign for NICE to reconsider its decision. The cost of looking after people with sight loss far outweighs the cost of Lucentis treatment, let alone the human cost. We are very concerned that local health services will use this decision as an excuse to stop treatment. We will monitor the situation across the country closely to ensure patients currently receiving Lucentis continue to do so as per the NICE guidance. We would also like to see urgent testing into alternative treatments for diabetic macular oedema." DMO is an eye condition which affects around 50,000 people in the UK and causes loss of vision. If left untreated it can lead to blindness. For more details on DMO and the Diabetes UK campaign please visit www.diabetes.org.uk

Ms Kate Hirst

telling her story

Diabetes and Blindness... (continued from page 8)

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Irene Salgado is the first to test the Exchange programme started by IDF Europe. Our first partner in this project is the Spanish Diabetes Society. Irene arrived in Brussels at the beginning of July and will be part of the IDF Europe team for

six months. The interview was taken by Cristian Andriciuc on July 6. Question: How did you get involved with the Spanish Diabetes Society? Irene: After I finished the Law and Business school I spent

some time with NGOs (in Nicaragua) and I realized that I should learn more about the non for profit sector… so I took a Master degree in NGO management. I also consulted emerging NGOs in Spain and worked in Cameroon. I offered training in accountancy or setting up an association, applying for grants, how to use the support offered by the state, etc.

When the Spanish Diabetes Society needed an office coordinator, I applied and was hired. Now we have four people hired by the Society, each one of them dealing with a different portfolio of activities. I am glad that I was involved in reshaping the office of the Society. Q: What are your responsibilities in the Spanish Diabetes Society?

I am the financial coordinator for the Society. I am also advising on legal issues. As the team is rather small everybody has additional responsibilities as needs show up (so I am also involved in supporting the logistics for our twelve thematic working groups). I appreciate being closer and working with our members. Q: Before you were proposed for staff exchange, how much did you know about IDF and

IDF Europe? I was in the Montreal Congress and I liked it very much. It proved to be very comprehensive (medical, patients, industry) and all the associations were present in the Global Village. Now I’m here and I see IDF Europe like a bridge between the Global office and the Member Associations. I can better understand the need to have regional offices. I

had little knowledge about what IDF Europe is doing and I hope to have a complete overview of all activities when I finish the exchange. Q: After your first contact in Brussels how is your perception of IDF Europe? It is amazing to see in how many networks IDF Europe is member of, the number of

several activities you are involved in (beside advocacy, the EU funded projects); The atmosphere is very calm even if the kind and volume of the work is so high and diverse; you have a nice location and the office, close to IDF global, looks very professional. Meeting the people I developed a warmer impression of the organization. Q: What will be your main areas of contribution while in Brussels?

Opening the door for the exchange programme

-interview with Irene Salgado-


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I want to contribute in improving the communication between the office and the members, and learning about the new European policies and institutions. I will also like to convey to my association the internal image of IDF Europe and also mapping the relations of IDF Europe with the European institutions and with other NGOs and industry. If you

are not here you cannot see all the richness of the membership and complexity of managing members from one end to the other of Europe. I liked very much the global village, looked like a mini world and I am looking forward in participating again in the Dubai Congress. Q: How do you perceive the top strengths and weaknesses of IDF Europe? Are they any?

The best: multicultural team, composed by people from different countries. For the weaknesses, I do not have an idea right now, but ask me again at the end of my stage. Your structure is different from what we have in our office in Madrid. I like very much that you receive support from young people with fresh ideas while you also have people who work for a longer time and insuring the institutional memory or the backbone of the

activities. Q: Do you already have some suggestions for improving our work? We should prepare a special event for our members while in Dubai – we should take advantage of being all there. I will try to learn a lot, to be useful and I am proud to open a door for other people; we hope that the experience will encourage other member

organizations to send their staff here. Thank you for your time and enjoy being in the IDF Europe office.

Opening the door for the exchange programme (continued from page 10)

IDF Europe is monitoring the way different countries are applying the EC Directive regarding Driving Licences (COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2009/113/EC of 25 August 2009 amending Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences).

In 2010 IDF Europe made a survey on this topic and the results were published here www.idf.org/webdata/docs/idf-europe/DL_report_220910.pdf . The text of the EC Directive may be found on the European Commission page or the IDF Europe web site (www.idf.org/sites/default/files/idf-europe/European%20Directive%20-%20Driving%20Licence_2009.pdf ) Diabetes UK is currently awaiting legislation to bring the last EC Driving Directive fully into

law this October. As is usual with EC Directives, implementation is being interpreted by the relevant government departments, and they might be taking a particularly strict interpretation for the UK, especially with regard to hypoglycaemia. We would be most grateful if Member Associations in the EU could complete the simple online survey (it takes up to 2 minutes if you know about the driving issue in your country) so that we can assess how the Directive is being implemented across Europe and help Diabetes UK (or other interested organizations from Europe) prepare its point of view defending the rights of

persons with diabetes. The link to the online survey is www.surveymonkey.com/s/driving_diabetes We will expect your input until 5 September. The results of the review will be shared with all the Member Associations. Thank you for your support!

http://www.idf.org/webdata/docs/idf-europe/DL_report_220910.pdf

http://www.idf.org/sites/default/files/idf-europe/European%20Directive%20-%20Driving%20Licence_2009.pdf

http://www.idf.org/sites/default/files/idf-europe/European%20Directive%20-%20Driving%20Licence_2009.pdf

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/driving_diabetes

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People with diabetes travel for business or vacation all over the world. Diabetes is no longer a barrier. Still, travelling involves certain preparations that will ensure the best time away from home. If you properly plan your trip you may enjoy it without any major restrictions regarding activities or meals. A person with diabetes does not need special holidays. We thought that at this time we could offer you a small check list to help you plan your trips. Learn as much about the place you want to visit. See the travellers’ messages posted on

the web. Talk to your doctor if travelling is not an activity you often do. Your doctor should advise

you regarding any change in the daily treatment or medication. Look for diabetes associations in the countries or places you will travel to. Record their

contact details in your agenda. Buy a health insurance that will cover all your conditions (including emergency services

for diabetes related incidents). For the EU citizens travelling in the EU the European Health card is a good help.

If the place you plan to travel to is known for tighter restrictions, be sure that you get

from your doctor a medical certificate regarding all your chronic conditions that might need professional attention while travelling. The certificate may also state what kind of medical equipment you should have with you (syringes, pens, pumps, consumables, glucose meter, CGMS, etc.) as well as the type of medication you take. Translate and legalize that certificate if needed. (a model may be seen on the Luxembourg Association web site: www.ald.lu/files/9/7/document_id20.pdf)

If you need to take a vaccine for the country you intend to travel to, do it ahead of time,

so that any side effects of the vaccination will not find you away from home and help. Take with you a dog tag indicating that you have diabetes and if you are found

unconscious you should be given sugar. Wear this tag by your neck, your wrist or your shoe laces.

Print out an a card the same information in the official language of the country and keep

that card in your wallet. Indicate the telephone number of a relative or medical doctor that might offer information about your condition and treatment.

Make sure that you take twice the amount of insulin, pills and test strips than you

normally use for the same period. Make sure that essential medication is in you hand luggage. Make sure that insulin is thermally protected (insulin may change its structure and properties if kept in the sun, hot places, freezing conditions, or under mechanical shocks).

If you are on an aggressive treatment or you know yourself having hypo’s, take your sugar or carbohydrates in your hand luggage.

Travelling with a companion is more fun and more safe. Train your companion on emergency situations that may occur related to your condition.

If you are driving, STOP at the smallest signs of

hypo. It is worth spending ten minutes checking your blood sugar level. If you are low, compensate immediately and wait for at least 30 minute before you start driving again. Your brain is slower in recuperating after a hypo! Check with your doctor before driving for a long time!

If you cross several time zones, check with your doctor on how to adapt the administration of your medication going and returning from your trip.

It’s summer time! It’s vacation time!

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Chronic diseases, (including diabetes) are today the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disablement in the world; their prevalence is increasing in all countries, independent of the level of their development. Experts say that by 2030 75% of all deaths will be due

to NCDs. The First International Conference on Healthy Lifestyle and NCDs was held in Moscow, Russia under the initiative of the Russian Federation and the World Health Organization

(WHO) on 28-29 April.

The aim of the Conference was to help the WHO member states develop and strengthen state policies and national programs for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of NCDs.

160 member states participated in the Conference; 89 Ministers of Health were present. Over all, 795 delegates were registered for the event. This meeting is one of the benchmark events in preparation for the UN Summit on NCDs

that will be held in New-York in September. As Margaret Chen (Director General of the WHO) said: “It will not be an overestimation, if we say that for many countries this situation can be considered as approaching disaster

for the healthcare system, society, and first of all, national economies.” “WHO estimates that up to 9.1 million deaths can be prevented annually”, said Ms. Tatyana Golikova, the Head of the Russian Ministry of Public Health.

At the end, the Conference adopted the Moscow Declaration, that can be used as a guide for WHO and national healthcare systems. It measures needed to be taken by the healthcare systems to slowdown the epidemics of NCDs, prevent morbidity and reduce

mortality and disablement in huge number of people all over the world. The Declaration stresses that prevention and management of NCDs need to be regulated

WHO Ministerial Conference on NCDs


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at all levels and that intervention has to focus on a wide spectrum of NCD determinants, including promotion of healthy lifestyle and healthy choices, legislation and policies, prevention and early detection of NCDs to minimize the suffering of individuals and reduce

the expenditures, and to provide best possible complex care throughout the whole life of a person with NCDs, together with active patient involvement, rehabilitation and palliative therapy.

In brief, all the parts adopted the following duties and responsibilities: to implement national strategies for healthy lifestyles and prevention, while taking into

account national priorities to implement economically efficient policies to eliminate such risk factors as smoking,

unhealthy eating, low physical activity and alcohol abuse to increase public awareness on health aspects, to monitor and reduce NCDs burden,

risk factors and determinants of the conditions, and to promote healthy lifestyles and prevention of NCDs

to involve primary care in the prevention and revealing of NCDs to make prevention, treatment and management of NCDs accessible, including

accessibility of safe, effective and high quality drugs for all who need them to address WHO and other UN specialized institutions in the field of healthcare to

coordinate their activities to stop NCDs to support realization of the WHO Framework Convention on Smoking Cessation, Action

Plan and Global Strategy on Prevention and Control of NCDs, WHO Global Strategies on Excessive Alcohol Use, Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Health Lifestyle, etc.

to study the possibilities to simplify the access to safe, effective and high quality drugs for these pathologies in low and middle income countries, to use WHO Model List for these drugs in accordance with the needs and resources.

This article was prepared by the Ms Elvira Gustova from the Moscow Diabetes Association.

WHO Ministerial Conference on NCDs (continued from page 13)

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The Austrian Diabetes Association (Österreichische Diabetes Gesellschaft - “ÖDG”) recently adopted the Austrian Diabetes Charta as a ground-breaking document outlining strategies against the widespread disease diabetes (with an estimated number of 600,000 sufferers in Austria, tendency increasing). The Austrian Minister of Health, Alois

Stöger, and the provinces Salzburg and Styria have already expressed their support for the Charta. „The Austrian Diabetes Charta should be ground-breaking for future health policy decisions concerning the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the Charta highlights the fact that in many existing issues, Austria is already following a

successful path” says Raimund Weitgasser, Associate Professor of Medicine, President of the Austrian Diabetes Association. The Charta emphasises the importance of lifestyle changes, in particular regarding diet habits and increased exercise for children and adults. The document specifies the most important fields of action for diabetes and makes suggestions for the prevention, medical

care and drug treatment, as well as for the improvement of care structures for children. The document stresses the urgency for an Austrian Diabetes registry and increased research funding for diabetes.

“The challenges that the diabetes epidemic poses for our health system are very often not fully perceived in the public discourse”, warns Weitgasser. “If the Austrian health system does not adopt the

appropriate measures against diabetes immediately, severe consequences for the financing of our health system will be the result”.

„We are convinced that the problem of diabetes and the associated health risks can only be tackled in a nationwide coordinated manner. We have to establish

intelligent and efficient structures. Their main aim should be the behavioural modifications in the lifestyle of every individual. This is why we work intensively to raise public awareness for diabetes and

its prevention and are very glad about every support from Austrian politicians”, concludes Weitgasser.

From our members

Austria

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Bulgaria

From our members

The Bulgarian Diabetes Patients Associations (BDA) started a program for development of Regional centres for information and consultations for people with diabetes. There are already seven opened in different cities throughout the country, in Pleven, Montana, Varna, Septemvri, Sliven, Vidin, Mezdra, followed already by Silistra . The Silistra centre freshly opened and the one in Haskovo will be active in the autumn. The concept for these Regional Centres is to cover the need for ad-hock providers of consultations and advice to diabetes patients and also to be a live connection between BDA and the centres’ clients. They are the start point for creating a new, more enlarged structure of the diabetes patients association in Bulgaria. The minimum requirements for such a centre are to have one qualified employee (assistant or collaborator) and some basic office equipment (PC, printer, scanner, telephone). To insure the quality of the service, BDA is organizing training sessions for the collaborators, such the one recently held in Nova Zagora.


Georgia

The Georgian Union of Diabetes and Endocrine Associations (GUDEAS) partnered with Georgian Young Medics’ Union (GYMU) to increase the implication of young medical doctors in managing diabetes and other chronic conditions while increasing their

participation in research and scientific activities. On 28 and 29 of May the organizations hosted in Tbilisi the First International Scientific Conference “Modern Aspects of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Diseases”. The aim of the Conference was to increase the inclusion of interns, PhD students and residents in scientific activities and to increase young doctors awareness of diabetes and

other chronic conditions. During the Conference there were presented five Master Class lectures: “Risk Factors and Paradoxes of Diabetes Mellitus”, “Depressive syndrome during somatic diseases” (Prof Kurashvili), “Oncology diseases – statistics and prevention” (Prof Gagua), “Modern aspects of rectal surgery” (Prof Mosidze), “Goiter and pregnancy” (Prof

Metreveli ). 25 oral presentations on diabetes mellitus were presented by the interns, who are trained at the Georgian Diabetes Center.

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From our members

Besides, presentations on various aspects of diagnosis, management and treatment of different forms of cancer and thyroid pathologies suggested by PhD students and

interns. The Conference was sponsored by the Mayor of Tbilisi and several pharmaceutical companies.

GYMU and GUDEAS agreed to support the establishment of a Training Center where students will receive knowledge and skills in diagnosis, treatment, management of various pathologies, and general health management. It was decided to take diabetes as a model disease, and to initiate training of young doctors first in diabetes .

Cooperation with GYMU is a wonderful opportunity to bring up young specialists, who will have deep knowledge on diabetes and will use it wherever they work. It will permit people with diabetes to avoid many problems they are facing today, when knowledge on the condition is not specific enough.

Georgia (continued from page 16)

Germany

In the end of 2010 diabetesDE built a national NCD Alliance along with seven other organizations standing for the major four NCDs: Cardiovascular diseases (German Heart Foundation), Diabetes (diabetesDE & the German Diabetes Association), Cancer

(German Cancer Society, German Cancer Aid; West-German Tumor Center), and Chronic Respiratory Diseases (German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory


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Medicine). Later on the German Alliance was joined by the Organization of the German General Practitioners.

The Alliance started communicating directly with members of the German Parliament and lobbied for a high level German participation to the UN Summit. It promoted the suggested outcome document and insisted that the Ministry of Health should have a decisive role in the German delegation. We do not want the UN Summit to be seen as relevant only for the developing world.

Western countries should also be aware of the negative role model they promoted (which is seen as main package of health determinants for NCDs) The alliance asked Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend the summit and is constantly communicating with the German Ambassador in New York.

Germany is actively co-working on finding a European position for the Outcomes Document. The German Government thinks the focus should be on monitoring and surveillance first; the targets and indicators worded so far are considered not to be ripe enough for implementation – in too many countries too much data will be missing. It seems that the German Government will not support the establishment of a new

organization at the Summit and that 3 or 5 years monitoring reports are more realistic than the annual ones. Financing seems to be a problem – Germany prefers a population based strategy in terms of prevention vs. innovative financing mechanisms (like new tax schemes). There should be recommendations rather than obligations. The list for the delegation will be put together soon. There is only a very small chance that the

NCD Alliance will be allowed to officially join the delegation. The department of Prevention in the Ministry of Health together with the Ministry of Nutrition, Agriculture and Consumers Protection are working on a new prevention policy in Germany. There will be a mass media campaign with the motto: “be active 30 minutes a day”, starting at the time the Summit. This is a revival of the 2008 national

campaign to tackle obesity called “In Form” (=in shape). It is expected that prevention will play a more crucial role in the health politics of 2012 (worksite health promotion will gain more attention, the role of general practitioners will be strengthened). National Diabetes Plan

diabetesDE will use the UN Summit to pave the way for a National Diabetes Plan, to push primary prevention, to get in close contact with relevant politicians, and to build up new alliances (the alliance with the general practitioners´ organization is crucial for any new approach to a NDP).

A first draft was written in spring and presented at the annual symposium of the German Diabetes Society in June. diabetesDE is working to find an internal consensus on the wording before discussing the draft with the general practitioners in the middle of August.

From our members

Germany (continued from page 17)

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Every year in the summer time,

many Dutch children with diabetes participate in our youth camps.

Since 2009, we organize these camps together with professional

camp organizations. Together, we

offer the children more than 10 different camps with various

themes: nature and adventure,

horse riding, musicals, and cooking. In 2011, over 220

children will participate; last year, we had about 250 children as our

guests.

The children really enjoy these

camps because they meet other

children with diabetes. For once, they are not the only ones with the disease like they normally are (in the class room or on a

sports training, for example). The camp directors know all there is to know about diabetes and therefore the children are in a safe environment. The camp directors, volunteers connected to

the Dutch Diabetes Association, are either medical professionals or people trained to work with

diabetes. The DDA annually offers courses for these volunteers. Both the organization of these summer camps and the volunteer work for all other children’s events are coordinated from

within the DDA. Parents also benefit from the camps: they can send their children away for a

couple of days without having to worry enormously about their health. And they also learn new things about diabetes, from their children, the camp directors and other diabetes care givers.

The DDA also organizes some other events during the year, like a day at the beach and a day

outing for the whole family. The amount of children participating in all of these events comes to

over 750.

The camps are held all over the country and children come from all over Holland to join. Many

insurance companies facilitate the camps by (partly) refunding the costs of the camps to the parents. The insurance companies also recognize the importance for children to learn to live

with their diabetes.

The Netherlands

From our members

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On 18 and 19 July the Polish Diabetes Association celebrated its 30th anniversary. The celebrations were held on the exact anniversary days, which made the whole event even more meaningful. First, on the 18th, a Board meeting and a General Delegates Meeting took place in order to ensure the best possible front of action of the association and also to insure the best capitalization of the event. All the presidents of the local branches received special anniversary books and medals. On the 19th, proper celebrations took place. Representatives of the particular branches of the association came dressed formally carrying their flags. At the beginning of the event, the 300 participants visited a diabetes fair including pharma companies stands and exhibitions. A special diet cake was made for the anniversary. The guests could also measure their HbA1C levels. The next stage was the official gala. The most active leaders of the Association were honoured with national medals (picture 73). Local and national officials spoke to a full room (picture 42). Afterwards, the scientific part took place and seven very interesting and educational lectures were given. The guests were visibly satisfied with the celebrations. We are hoping that the Polish Diabetes Association will continue its work for at least other 30 years.

From our members

Poland

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developing type 2 diabetes. Volunteers of the Blue

Circle shared advices on changing lifestyles to all

MPs in order to carry out their duties properly and stay healthy.

The fifth summer camp for youth with diabetes

was organized between 16 and 23 of July in

Ohrid, Macedonia. The camp was attended by 30 children and young people from Macedonia,

Montenegro and Serbia.

The main message of the camp was "Living Well - ACTION. RESPONSIBILITY. CONTROL.", with a

challenge to reach for an average HbA1c below

6.5%.

The coordinator of the camp was Dr Goran Petrovski, diabetologist from Skopje.

The special guest of the camp was Phil Southerland, founder of the professional cycling

team "Team Type 1”.

The program was very dynamic and covered different aspects of living with diabetes. The daily

workshops focused on diabetes management.

Each day began with exercises on the beach, followed by beach volleyball, basketball, soccer

and water polo matches in the afternoon. During the whole camp the medical staff monitored to

condition of the participants.

The Diabetes Association of Serbia expresses its

gratitude to the whole team in Macedonia, especially Dr Goran Petrovski, for inviting our

children to this unique event. Our cooperation

continues to our mutual satisfaction.

Serbia

From our members

The Diabetes Association of Belgrade – Blue

Circle attended the second Health Fair held in May 13-14th 2011 under the auspices of the

Ministry of Health. The Blue Circle booth was one of the most visited ones and 720 visitors

checked their blood sugar levels: nine of them

were unaware of their diabetes. Also, many people wanted to join the association and

participate in its future activities.

In May the IDF video „Act on Diabetes. Now“ has been synchronized to Serbian language and

uploaded on YouTube.

At the National Assembly, Diabetes Association

of Belgrade “Blue Circle” has organized check ups of blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI and

percentage body fat to MPs, the entire support

staff and security guards. 263 people were tested. No new cases were discovered but there

were 12 people who are at high risk of

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The Ukrainian Diabetes Federation

initiated a new project focusing on young families affected by diabetes. The

first General Ukrainian Diabetes School “MOLODYATA” started in May 2011.

Young families from different regions of Ukraine were trained on a specially

designed program that takes into

consideration the needs of young families. The program includes basic

diabetes management topics and additional lectures with endocrinologists,

gynecologists, andrologists and

psychologists.

The event also provided participants

with occasions for discussions, special sessions and debates ("between us

girls", "strong man") a romantic

evening, a visit to the National Theatre and a

excursion through the old Kiev.

In order to raise awareness about the

problems of diabetes, all members of the project held an action at St. Sophia square

during celebration the Day of Kiev on 29 May.

Young people distributed leaflets, talked about the risks of diabetes, and promoted healthy

lifestyles as a method to prevent diabetes.

For the participants it was an unforgettable

time and a good way of strengthening not only their families, but also the contacts between

the regions of Ukraine.

The project sponsor was the ‘’Roche’’ company.

Ukraine

From our members

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The Turkish Diabetes Association (TDA) was founded in 1955 and since that time it focused on rising awareness, prevention and proper treatment of diabetes. The first accurate diabetes surveys were initiated in 1959 and continued until 1985 with the screening of 500.000 people. The calculated prevalence of diabetes was found to be 2% in that period. Between 1985 and 2005, 36.000 people were screened in 7 different regions of our country and the prevalence was found to be 9.27% and these results were published in the IDF review. Studies conducted by the Turkish Diabetes Foundation (İ. Satman) until 2010 proved that the prevalence was 13.5 % adding up to about 10 million people affected by diabetes nowadays. This evolution proves an increase in prevalence of about seven times in 50 years! In 1970 we initiated practical training sessions for people with diabetes allowing them to better manage their condition by proper knowledge, techniques of administrating medication as well as measuring blood or urine glucose levels. The rate of patients using insulin was 10% in 1980, and it has increased up to 35% today. Due to such efforts, diabetic complications have been reduced significantly and diabetic foot amputation was reduced to about 5%. Eye complications have been reduced by half. The Turkish Diabetes Association is organizing diabetes summer camps for children and adolescents that have been successful and they reached this year their 46th anniversary. From 2012 we intend to have international participation from countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

Focus on a Member Association

The Turkish Diabetes Association


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Chaussée de La Hulpe, 166-C3

B-1170, Brussels, Belgium

Phone: +32 25371889

Fax: +32 25371981

E-mail: [email protected]

International Diabetes Federation

- European Region

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, [email protected]

The next issue of the newsletter is planned to be

ready at the end of October 2011. Please send

your materials before 20 October 2011.

The Turkish Diabetes Association (continued from page 23)

Through our training sessions we have today in 33 cities across the country, 3575 general practitioners (GP) and healthcare professionals knowledgeable managing diabetes patients. To insure continuous specialized support for our GPs we organized for the last 10 years monthly scientific meetings at our headquarters in İstanbul. Our association is offering the people with diabetes complex medical services related to obesity, hypertension and diabetes complications in our clinic and researches centre “Özel Diabet Hastanesi” . TDA is also active in national programmes and campaigns. We are supporting and contributing to “Diabetes prevention and control program of Turkey” initiated in 2008 and conducted under the coordination of the Ministry of Health is applicable across the country, “Diabetes 2020 Vision and Targets” (in cooperation with Turkish Diabetes Foundation, and supported by IDF Europe), and “Stop Diabetes” initiated on 31 March under the auspices of the President Abdullah Gül.

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