Report of the WHO discussion group for people living with diabetes: virtual meeting, 30–31 March 2023

Overview

Globally, over 422 million people live with diabetes. In April 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Diabetes Compact (GDC), an initiative aiming to make sustained improvements in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevention and care for people living with all forms of diabetes. The engagement of people living with diabetes is a priority area for WHO. Previous engagements include a series of focus groups and informal regional consultations. Building upon these engagements, and also aligning with key principles outlined in the WHO framework for meaningful engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases, and mental health and neurological conditions, the GDC held a discussion group on 30–31 March 2023 for people living with all forms of diabetes. The event was entirely designed by people living with diabetes. Sixty-four individuals representing 28 countries attended the 2-day virtual event to discuss the realities and challenges of living with diabetes, access to essential medicine and supplies, digital health for diabetes and diabetes education and promotion.