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Global perspectives on diabetes

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Young man wearing a cycling helmet and sunglasses proudly holds up a medal after completing a bicycle race, promoting resilience and active living with type 1 diabetes.

Sugar baby, no big deal: the upset of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 21, Rui shares fear, stigma and resilience while learning to survive and thrive.
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Women scientist looking through microscope in laboratory doing cancer research.

Diabetes and cancer: what’s the real connection?

How diabetes and cancer are linked, why cancer survivors face diabetes risk, and what new-onset diabetes may reveal about hidden cancers.
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This image captures a compassionate healthcare interaction in a community clinic setting. A young African male patient, dressed in a blue t-shirt, is seated at a wooden table while a female African doctor, wearing a white lab coat, gloves, and a stethoscope around her neck, conducts a blood glucose test using a lancet and glucometer. The doctor is focused and gentle as she pricks the patient's finger, while the young man observes calmly. Medical supplies, including medication bottles and testing tools, are visible on the table. In the background, other patients and clinic staff are engaged, suggesting a supportive, attentive healthcare environment.

When type 1 diabetes is not autoimmune

YODA study reveals most African youth with type 1 diabetes lack autoimmune markers—challenging global diagnostic standards.
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My boss asked me, “Can you inject in the bathroom?”

Why people with diabetes still struggle at work – and what needs to change.
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A photo of Kerry Murphy, a Blue Circle Diabetes advocate from the US, surrounded by her husband, two sons and daughter.

Working together for a future where no one faces diabetes alone

In many ways, diabetes has shaped who we are as a family, but it has also driven me to become an advocate, both for my loved ones and for others living with the condition.
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News in brief

Diabetes headlines you need to know

News in brief

14 January, 2026

ADA updates Standards of Care to improve outcomes and support person-centred diabetes care

Updates to the ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes integrate obesity treatment directly into diabetes care.
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Europe

24 September, 2025

EASD 2025: New frontiers in diabetes care revealed

Annual meeting reveals first EASD guideline on diabetes distress, semaglutide, CagriSema, combination therapies, and CVD advances in diabetes care.
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Doctor connecting continuous glucose monitor with smartphone, to check blood sugar level in real time. Obese, overweight man is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

News in brief

26 June, 2025

Groundbreaking updates on obesity and diabetes care unveiled at 85th ADA Scientific Sessions

Updates to the ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes integrate obesity treatment directly into diabetes care.
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North America and Caribbean

6 February, 2025

Early diabetes screening shows results in North America and the Caribbean

The success of early screening, combined with diabetes prevention initiatives and lifestyle interventions, can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
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Sana Ajmal after a consultation with government representatives on enhancing access to type 1 diabetes care in Pakistan.

Middle East and North Africa

5 December, 2024

“Insulin for All” type 1 diabetes project to be piloted in Pakistan

A pilot project for diabetes care in Pakistan, “Insulin for All”, will provide insulin to children living with type 1 diabetes in three districts of the Punjab.
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South-East Asia

23 September, 2024

Diabetes in South-East Asia: insights and advocacy efforts

The IDF SEA region includes seven countries and territories, each with unique socioeconomic and healthcare challenges. However, one common thread is the rising diabetes impact.
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Europe

17 September, 2024

EASD 2024: new treatment options and insights on the causes of diabetes

From revelations in treatment options to the likelihood of inheriting type 1 diabetes, the presentations at EASD 2024 will potentially shape the future of diabetes management and prevention.
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News in brief

27 June, 2024

ADA Scientific Sessions highlight latest obesity treatment developments

Studies presented at ADA showcase new treatment options for type 2 diabetes and weight management for obesity.
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News in brief

26 June, 2024

ADA Scientific Sessions showcase innovations and guidance for early risk monitoring of type 1 diabetes

Research presented highlights the benefits of CGM metrics in predicting the progression and risk of the condition.
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Blood samples tube for oral glucose tolerance test

News in brief

14 March, 2024

IDF releases position statement recommending use of 1-hour plasma glucose test to diagnose intermediate hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes

Position statement presents the 1-hour post-load plasma glucose (1-h PG) test as a more sensitive and practical method to screen for IH and type 2 diabetes in people at risk.
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Europe

6 October, 2023

EASD 2023: Outcomes on diabetes management

The annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference in Hamburg on 2-6 October brought together global experts to share findings in diabetes research.
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News in brief

6 July, 2023

ADA Scientific Sessions: new drug therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes management

Clinical trial findings for new survodutide and semaglutide treatments and promising phase 2 retatrutide results.
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cover ADA Diabetes Standards of Care in Diabetes

News in brief

29 June, 2023

ADA Scientific Sessions highlight updated Standards of Care guidelines

Updates include teplizumab to delay type 1 diabetes onset and early screening for liver disease.
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News in brief

22 December, 2022

The early burden of cardiac and renal disease in type 2 diabetes

Heart failure and chronic kidney disease are the first and most frequent manifestations of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes and are also associated with increased morbidity and...
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News in brief

22 September, 2022

New global Type 1 Diabetes Index highlights the unmet need of people living with type 1 diabetes

First-of-its-kind data simulation tool measures the human and public health impact of type 1 diabetes in every country across the globe.
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Young man with diabetes receiving diabetes education

News in brief

6 July, 2022

One in five search results for diabetes reveal misinformation, International Diabetes Federation warns

IDF launches awareness campaign highlighting the need for improved access to reliable diabetes education for people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals.
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News in brief

27 June, 2022

The Human Trial, an intimate journey into the search for a cure for type 1 diabetes

A documentary film that follows a groundbreaking clinical trial, showing the passion and sacrifice behind every breakthrough cure.
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IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition world map

News in brief

8 November, 2021

Diabetes now affects one in 10 adults worldwide

New figures from the International Diabetes Federation reveal that 537 million adults around the globe are living with diabetes.
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News in brief

3 June, 2021

Have your say on how hypoglycaemia affects you

Online study aims to better understand the impact of low blood glucose on the quality of life of people with diabetes and their loved ones.
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News in brief

24 November, 2020

Our Views, Our Voices – lived NCD experiences from around the world

A new publication from the NCD Alliance explains the commonalities in needs and challenges across the different NCD conditions.
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Europe

29 October, 2020

New EU project aims to improve understanding of type 1 diabetes

A key focus of INNODIA is conducting clinical intervention studies to facilitate the development of novel treatments to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes.
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News in brief

13 August, 2020

IDF joins forces with Medicines Patent Pool to improve access to diabetes medicines

MoU signed to improve access to affordable and high-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries.
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News in brief

13 August, 2020

Call for data for the IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition

IDF is looking for new data sources of diabetes prevalence to generate national, regional and global estimates.
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News in brief

15 May, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from North America and the Caribbean

The IDF North American Region spans 29 countries and territories and is home to 48 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
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A girl with a child is standing on the road in a protective medical mask

Europe

11 May, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from Europe

The IDF European Region spans 44 countries and territories and is home to 59 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
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Women holding coronavirus "go-away" sign in Spanish

News in brief

7 May, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from South and Central America

The IDF South and Central America Region spans 20 countries and territories and is home to over 31 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
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News in brief

7 May, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from South-East Asia

The IDF South-East Asia Region is home to over 87 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
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Vikasith and Gemunu loading car with supplies

News in brief

23 April, 2020

#SaveaLifeCovid-19SL: tackling lockdown to provide essential diabetes supplies in Sri Lanka

The lockdown in Sri Lanka has disrupted access to insulin for people with type 1 diabetes. Young volunteers have led the response to help those in need.
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News in brief

5 March, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency. People with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.
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News in brief

3 March, 2020

Samad Shera (1935-2020)

Honorary President of IDF dedicated his life to raising diabetes awareness and training health professionals
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Europe

26 February, 2020

The eye as a window to the brain – new EU initiative launched

RECOGNISED will explore the biological pathways that may link the alterations observed in the retina with those present in the brain in people with type 2 diabetes.
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News in brief

9 January, 2020

50% of people use underground diabetes market

Researchers from the University of Utah Health conducted an online survey focused on different types of underground exchange activities for insulin and other diabetes supplies.
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Black woman lying in bed trying to sleep

News in brief

16 October, 2019

Less sleep increases risks for diabetes

A recent study suggests that sleeping less increases risks for type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death, especially when total sleep equates to less than 6 hours.
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Male patient at doctor's office touching kidney

News in brief

1 October, 2019

Diabetes treatment reduces risk of kidney failure

New approval will help reduce risks associated with kidney disease.
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Rows of flags of all nations next to UN in New York

News in brief

24 September, 2019

World leaders adopt universal health coverage declaration

UN Member States have committed to advance towards UHC by investing in four major areas.
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News in brief

19 September, 2019

Vegan diet may prevent type 2 diabetes

New research suggests that a vegan diet provides improvements in body weight, body composition and blood glucose management.
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News in brief

17 September, 2019

Novo Nordisk to provide cheaper insulin amid criticism

Novo Nordisk will offer a generic and a discount cash card.
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Research scientist looking through a microscope in a laboratory

News in brief

21 August, 2019

T helper cells associated with onset of type 1 diabetes

New study results suggest that findings have the potential to serve as a target for immunotherapy in type 1 diabetes.
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News in brief

19 August, 2019

Only 23% of adults with diabetes achieve targets

A number of key disparities and challenges exist for people with diabetes.
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News in brief

31 July, 2019

Plant-based diet reduces type 2 diabetes risk

According to the research, risk can be reduced by at least 23%.
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News in brief

25 July, 2019

Women with type 1 at high risk for heart failure

Findings from a new study suggest that women with diabetes are at a greater risk for heart failure than men with the condition.
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News in brief

18 July, 2019

Affordable insulin caravan led by Sanders

US Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders will join an organised caravan to Canada to purchase affordable insulin along with people living with type 1 diabetes in need.
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News in brief

4 July, 2019

Food insecurity and development of type 2 diabetes linked

Food insecurity can lead to higher insulin resistance, insulin, glucose, stress hormones, inflammation and total cholesterol.
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Clipboard with written prescription statins and stethoscope

News in brief

26 June, 2019

Statins double risk for type 2 diabetes

A study found that people who are prescribed statins have at least double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who don’t take the drug.
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News in brief

18 June, 2019

Female Sexual Dysfunction in type 1 diabetes

Two published studies report presence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
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News in brief

12 June, 2019

ADA 2019: Biggest news announcements

The 79th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) was held on June 7-11, 2019 in San Francisco, USA.
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Active woman testing her blood sugar levels

News in brief

6 June, 2019

Diabetes survey finds distress and lack of support remain barriers

Improvements in diabetes-related knowledge and behaviors, but significant gaps remain in self-management care.
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Woman with diabetes wearing an insulin pump and checking her blood glucose on a smart phone app

News in brief

22 May, 2019

DIY Artificial Pancreas gets warning from FDA

The FDA issued a stern warning about do-it-yourself artificial pancreas systems after a person with diabetes suffered an insulin overdose.
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News in brief

7 May, 2019

Fiasp® flaws: are faster insulins worth it?

Faster insulins facilitate the rapid movement of insulin through the capillaries into the blood, leading to improved glucose results. Are they worth it?
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News in brief

30 April, 2019

Film tells the truth: diabetes can destroy lives

A Touch of Sugar, narrated by Viola Davis, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, April 25
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News in brief

23 April, 2019

Type 1 diabetes camp is much more than blood glucose

The experience of a diabetes camp through the eyes of a doctor watching a diverse group of youth with type 1 diabetes in the Maldives.
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News in brief

11 April, 2019

USA: Still no clarity on rising insulin costs

US Congress Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds second hearing on the insulin pricing crisis in the US.
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News in brief

11 April, 2019

New JDRF CEO is first with type 1 diabetes

JDRF International Board of Directors unanimously approves the appointment of Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., to serve as its new President and CEO.
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News in brief

3 April, 2019

Priced out: the impact of rising insulin costs

United States House Committee on Energy & Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee has hearing on rising cost of insulin.
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News in brief

3 April, 2019

Urgent call for insulin affordability

Leaders of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (USA) have called for insulin affordability to be an urgent priority for the organization in 2019.
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Europe

29 March, 2019

First approval of oral type 1 diabetes therapy in the EU

The SGLT2 class for use by people with type 1 diabetes is under scrutiny, but the EU has approved one, marking the first oral for type 1 diabetes in the...
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News in brief

21 March, 2019

IDF plans dynamic 2019 Congress

"Hot topics" include technology in all its forms, such as artificial intelligence, mHealth, apps, big data, wearable devices, and tools for diabetes management and monitoring.
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News in brief

4 February, 2019

#WorldCancerDay: People with diabetes at greater risk for cancer

Cancer awareness and understanding risks are not only important to the general public, but especially for people with diabetes.
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News in brief

30 January, 2019

FDA weighs risks of new treatment for type 1 diabetes

FDA to decide on approval of use of SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors in combination with insulin therapy.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

Study predicts insulin shortage for nearly 40 million by 2030

By 2030, 79 million people with type 2 diabetes will require insulin to treat the disease, but only half will have access.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

Author explains skewed nutrition science in new book

Marion Nestle helps us understand how food and product studies are more about marketing than science.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

Update: The Human Trial documentary completes filming

The Human Trial The story of a biotech start-up on the verge of a major medical breakthrough — a clinical trial that could lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

IDF response to Third UN HLM on NCDs: greater action required now!

International Diabetes Federation regrets lack of ambition in UN HLM Political Declaration.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

In a class by themselves: a special college course for students with type 1 diabetes

Leaders in type 1 diabetes research and treatment teach students who live with diabetes.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

Hiking in Hong Kong for World Diabetes Day

In Hong Kong, the annual Hike for Youth Diabetes marks World Diabetes Day and emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
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Europe

6 December, 2018

IDF Europe and World Diabetes Day: high-level advocacy with MEPs

The IDF European Region organised a week-long series of high-level advocacy activities in Brussels and Strasbourg to mark World Diabetes Day 2018.
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Middle East and North Africa

6 December, 2018

IDF MENA: Focusing on families and diabetes for WDD

The IDF Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) organised a variety of activities focusing on the family for World Diabetes Day and diabetes awareness month.
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News in brief

6 December, 2018

World Diabetes Day 2018 in South and Central America (SACA)

An image gallery of awareness activities organised in the IDF South and Central America (SACA) region for diabetes awareness month and World Diabetes Day 2018.
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

Study on access to essential medicines finds wide gap

A wide discrepancy is found in the availability and affordability of essential diabetes medicines across the world.
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

Food insecurity linked to type 2 diabetes

New research finds that people with people with prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are more likely to be food insecure.
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

World Sight Day 2018: Eye Care Everywhere

About 36 million people around the world are blind. Eye Care Everywhere is the theme of World Sight Day 2018 on October 11.
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

Take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes on World Diabetes Day

Looking for a simple, flexible, effective way to mark World Diabetes Day 2018? Organise a Global Diabetes Walk!
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

Flu Vaccines important for people with diabetes

People with diabetes in the US are being advised to get vaccinated before flu season starts.
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News in brief

3 October, 2018

In memory of Sergio Metzger

Former IDF representative for the South and Central America Region passed away in August.
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News in brief

31 August, 2018

Welcome to World Heart Day 2018

World Heart Day 2018 on September 29 focuses on looking after our own hearts, and the hearts of our loved ones.
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News in brief

26 July, 2018

Screening criteria misses half of prediabetes, diabetes in US

Current diabetes screening criteria in the USA that use age and weight alone may miss up to half of prediabetes and diabetes cases, according to a new study published in...
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News in brief

26 July, 2018

IDF launches initiative to improve diabetes care in humanitarian settings

IDF estimates that four million people living with diabetes are forcibly displaced as a result of man-made and natural disasters. In these difficult circumstances, people with diabetes often struggle to...
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News in brief

26 July, 2018

Yale study finds NPH insulin adequate for type 2 diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes treated with the newer generation of long-acting insulin analogs did not have substantially better outcomes than those treated with less costly human insulin.
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Taking Diabetes to Heart promotional visual

News in brief

26 July, 2018

Over 12,000 people with type 2 diabetes take diabetes to heart

Data collection for Taking Diabetes to Heart – the International Diabetes Federation’s multi-country study on awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with type 2 diabetes came to a close...
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News in brief

26 July, 2018

Millions of diabetes cases linked to air pollution

New research links outdoor air pollution to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes globally, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the...
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News in brief

23 July, 2018

IDF leads action for nutrition education at 71st World Health Assembly

At the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva in May, IDF presented a multi-stakeholder panel discussion “Nutrition education and IDF action to tackle obesity and prevent diabetes.”
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News in brief

23 July, 2018

Improving blood glucose meter accuracy in Brazil

Until early 2018, Brazil did not have a regulatory instrument that required standardization of blood glucose meter accuracy. A new standard has been published.
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News in brief

23 July, 2018

Call for data for the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9th Edition 2019

The International Diabetes Federation is looking for new data sources of diabetes prevalence to include in the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9th Edition, to be published on 14 November 2019.
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Dr V. Mohan receiving the Harold Rifkin Award from Dr Jane Reusch, President, American Diabetes Association

News in brief

23 July, 2018

Distinguished International Service awarded to advocate and doctor from India

Dr. V. Mohan received the prestigious Harold Rifkin Distinguished International Service in the Cause of Diabetes Award by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
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Health and Education: Stronger Together conference

News in brief

23 July, 2018

Kids and diabetes in schools (KiDS) presented at Brussels conference

On May 17, IDF and the Belgian Red Cross Flanders (BRC-F) organized a special session entitled, Where Education Meets Health: Health Education for Children and Adolescents at the Health and...
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Europe

23 July, 2018

Youth leadership camp – a key contribution to the future of the diabetes movement

The diabetes youth leadership camp (YLC) is one of the pillar activities of the IDF European Region.
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News in brief

4 April, 2018

Brazilian government to provide analogue insulin for type 1 diabetes

Following social media outcry, the Brazilian Ministry of Health is discussing final steps with the National Committee for Health Technology to make rapid-acting analog insulin available for people with type...
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Blood glucose screening in Trinidad & Tobago

News in brief

3 April, 2018

EDUCATION! EDUCATION! EDUCATION!

Education is the driving force to achieve proper management of diabetes. The IDF North American and Caribbean (NAC) Region is prioritizing education and has developed their diabetes education programs to...
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Middle East and North Africa

3 April, 2018

Road map for better diabetes care

The IDF Middle East and North America (MENA) region is a diverse and unique territory with great ethical and cultural differences and socio-economic extremes.
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Europe

3 April, 2018

Improving the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk in the IDF European Region

The IDF European (EU) Region is a wonderful example of unity in diversity – different cultures, healthcare systems, different levels of resources.
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