Non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, represent major causes of disability, ill-health, health-related retirement, and premature death in the European Union and cause a considerable social and economic impact.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form accounting for 90% of all cases of diabetes.
According to The International Diabetes Foundation, in 2021, approximately 537M adults were living with diabetes worldwide, and there were about 60M in Europe.
The overall risk of dying among people with type 2 diabetes is at least, double the risk of their healthy peers.
Overall, diabetes leads to high costs sustained by governments, and it represents 10% of the global health expenditure.
A cornerstone for effective type 2 diabetes management is a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, good mental health including good sleep habits and relaxation techniques practices.
To strengthen strategies for the treatment of diabetes and to further enhance sharing best practice among Member States, the EU4H Programme established a Joint Action grant under the thematic area of diabetes.
