MEP Peter Agius Hosts High-Level Discussion on Diabetes at the European Parliament

Brussels, [12.11.2024] – Today, MEP Peter Agius hosted a high-level discussion on diabetes at the European Parliament, bringing together experts, patients, and stakeholders from Malta and across Europe. This event, held in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation, highlighted the need for greater investment in diabetes awareness, prevention, and care across EU Member States. Participants included representatives from the Maltese Diabetes Association and healthcare professionals.

In his opening remarks, MEP Agius emphasized the prevalence and impact of diabetes on European citizens: “One in ten fellow citizens live with diabetes. Prevention and treatment are crucial, as managing diabetes effectively helps prevent other costly health conditions. We must encourage Member States to invest heavily in diabetes awareness, prevention, and care – this is the only sensible approach as it saves millions in healthcare costs long-term. By hosting this discussion in the European Parliament, I aim to elevate diabetes on the EU’s political agenda. We owe this to diabetes patients and to a more efficient healthcare system.”

Addressing his motivation for supporting diabetes care reform in Malta, MEP Agius recounted his experiences and said: “I became an advocate for diabetes patients when adults with diabetes in Malta told me, ‘Our lives could be better if we could afford it.’ I realised that vital tools, like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), are limited to younger patients under Malta’s national healthcare system. While we’ve made progress in recent years, much remains to be done—many adult diabetes patients are still not covered. I am calling on the Maltese Government to end all age discrimination and provide CGM care to all patients, regardless of age.”

MEP Agius further commended Malta’s healthcare professionals and stressed the importance of equipping them with adequate resources. “I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our healthcare professionals and call on the government to provide the resources they need. Europe can be a partner in this endeavor. Through the EU4Health program, we can secure funding for diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives across Member States.”

The event underscored the shared commitment of EU representatives, healthcare providers, and patient advocates to improve diabetes care and eliminate age-related barriers, making essential resources accessible to all patients.