1 Living with diabetes Dr. W.H.J.M. (Wim) Wientjens President-elect IDF Europe President Dutch Diabetes Association World Diabetes Day Brussels 2002 November 5th

2 65 years old 52 years with diabetes Biochemist Managing director research institute Retired / volunteer

3 Serious disease but ‘manageable and treatable’ IF Medicines/devices available and accessibleMedicines/devices available and accessible Good cooperation with professionalsGood cooperation with professionals Access to education and informationAccess to education and information Discipline 24 hours a dayDiscipline 24 hours a day

4 Fighting against... Fear of complicationsFear of complications Social prejudicesSocial prejudices Discrimination employmentDiscrimination employment Discrimination insurancesDiscrimination insurances Loss of self esteemLoss of self esteem

5 Every person with diabetes must be permitted to play an active role in sharing responsibility for his/her care and his/her quality of life