The European Commission is supporting a campaign run by the International Diabetes Federation to encourage the prevention of diabetes, through healthier diets.
The prevalence of diabetes in Europe has increased by nearly 20 per cent over the past 10 years, linked to rising overweight and less exercise among Europeans.
The European Region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF Europe) yesterday launched EU Diabetes Week, which runs until Friday, 7 November. The organisation said it wants to get the message across that Europeans can reverse the growing trend by adopting healthier lifestyles.
IDF Europe will be putting on an exhibition in the European Parliament in Brussels, to raise the awareness of the disease among policy makers, including the possibility to test the in depth glucose level (A1C), blood pressure and cholesterol levels of visitors.
European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection David Byrne said: "Europe's obesity epidemic brings with it a deadly friend, in the shape of a potential diabetes epidemic. We must get the message across to Europe's citizens that a healthy diet and regular exercise will help them avoid debilitating diseases such as diabetes."