Diabetes plans in six European Countries and in Canada

Seventeen of the 27 European Union countries have established programs and initiatives to counteract the increasing rate of diabetes in Europe. Luxembourg has not instituted such an initiative at a national level but is considering a national scheme. This article presents several national diabetes policies from other states. The information in these national schemes can be used to assist in the development of a national diabetes program in Luxembourg. Seven national diabetes programs, from The Netherlands, England, Austria, Germany, France, Belgium and Canada, were analyzed. We aimed to identify the most important principles underlying these programs and what makes them successful. The national health policies encompass 3 dimensions: psychological, social and economic. Some key determinants were identified. The most successful diabetes programs promote quality of care and services, early detection and the autonomy of people through the patient's therapeutic education. Other identified determinants are the establishment of an efficient information system, enabling people with diabetes to have access to excellent services and educational information. The system also allows health professionals to easily follow up their diabetes patients and provides a tool for evaluating and developing multidisciplinary competences for professionals.