On Thursday, February 25th, The European Parliament Interest Group, MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes (MMD), launched its Blueprint for Action on Diabetes in the European Union by 2030.
MEPs Mobilising for Diabetes was established under co-chairs MEPs Sirpa Pietikäinen and Christel Schaldemose in November 2020 in response to the growing impact of diabetes on the European population. Around 32 million Europeans have been diagnosed with diabetes, a number which is expected to rise to 38 million by 2030.
The aim of the Blueprint is to flatten the curve of diabetes, reduce health inequalities and improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes. These inequalities have been further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. More effort will be required to tackle the problem and reduce the burden social systems have to bear as a result of diabetes. The Blueprint intends to evaluate and foster action which will involve patients and their families in a bid to reach the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals.
Research has been identified as the cornerstone of prevention and management, along with improving knowledge and tackling the stigma associated with diabetes. The Blueprint further advocates the creation of enabling environments, such as green spaces for people to walk and exercise along with cleaner gyms and more areas to exercise. Additionally, the Blueprint includes the EU programmes and initiatives as well as the success measures required in order to achieve the aims of the Blueprint.