CARE4DIABETES will aim to reduce type 2 diabetes burden, as well as raise awareness and acceptance on improved and more innovative related lifestyle interventions, in line with EU policy framework and the Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs in the WHO EU Region 2016-2027.
The Joint Action has a strong policy relevance as it has the potential to support member states to promote the implementation of new evidence-based policies and actions on patients’ empowerment, health promotion in patients with type 2 diabetes and cost-effective management of the disease, while improving the efficiency of health investments.
The Joint Action relevance to the call and to EU & international priorities is that it will foster innovative practices that:
a) have the potential to reduce the health burden of type 2 diabetes by increasing the quality of life and extending life expectancy and
b) decrease the cost of usual type 2 diabetes management including medications and/or improve the outcomes for a given investment.
The relatively safe environment and the limited scope of the pilot actions will minimise the risks of implementing the innovative approach for type 2 diabetes reversal and facilitate the detailed analysis of the factors involved in its success or failure.
The aim is to tackle reduction of healthcare and economic burden of type 2 diabetes through intensive lifestyle changes and from a multidisciplinary point of view – from clinical follow-up and medicine adjustments to improved nutrition & relaxation and increased physical exercise.
The Joint Action will build up and contribute to frame EU policies and innovative approaches for NCDs like type 2 diabetes in public health and healthcare systems.
In addition to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the European Commission is in fact working on a new initiative to support EU countries in reducing the burden of NCDs, which includes diabetes as one of its five focus areas.