Mon Sep 30 03:16:00 UTC 2024: ## New EU Health Commissioner Faces Diabetes Timebomb

**Brussels, [Date]** – Olivér Várhelyi, the EU Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, faces a daunting task as he prepares for his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament. While his appointment has been met with skepticism due to Hungary’s political direction, Várhelyi has a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by tackling the growing diabetes crisis in Europe.

Várhelyi’s mission letter from President von der Leyen places disease prevention as a top priority, specifically focusing on combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes. This comes as type 2 diabetes, affecting 400 million globally, presents a significant challenge for families, healthcare systems, and economies.

MEP Tilly Metz, a member of the ENVI committee, urges Várhelyi to adopt a comprehensive approach to fighting diabetes, emphasizing prevention, early diagnosis, affordable treatment, and tackling risk factors like unhealthy foods and lack of physical activity.

Former European Commissioner for Health Vytenis Andriukaitis also highlights the need for a strong social dimension in the EU’s approach to health policy, arguing that neglecting health weakens Europe’s workforce and economy.

Experts believe that investing in diabetes research and prevention not only improves public health but also creates a global economic opportunity for European biotech. Initiatives like Med4Cure and RHAPSODY, funded by the Innovative Health Initiative, are already exploring new treatments and diagnostics for diabetes.

To truly make a difference, Várhelyi needs to leverage the European Health Data Space, artificial intelligence, research funding, and coordinated efforts across member states on food processing, pharmaceuticals, and public health communication.

By taking a bold stance on tackling diabetes, Várhelyi can secure goodwill and demonstrate that investing in health is vital to both the well-being and the future of Europe. His efforts could not only help save creaking health systems but also solidify Europe’s position as a global biotech leader.

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