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Living with diabetesLiving with diabetes

Dr. W.H.J.M. (Wim) WientjensDr. W.H.J.M. (Wim) WientjensPresident-elect IDF EuropePresident-elect IDF Europe

President Dutch Diabetes AssociationPresident Dutch Diabetes Association

World Diabetes DayWorld Diabetes Day

Brussels 2002 November 5thBrussels 2002 November 5th

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• 65 years old

• 52 years with diabetes

• Biochemist

• Managing director research institute

• Retired / volunteer

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Serious disease Serious disease but ‘manageable and treatable’but ‘manageable and treatable’

IFIF• Medicines/devices available and accessible Medicines/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

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Fighting against ...Fighting against ...

• Fear of complicationsFear of complications

• Social prejudicesSocial prejudices

• Discrimination employmentDiscrimination employment

• Discrimination insurancesDiscrimination insurances

• Loss of self esteemLoss of self esteem

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Every person with diabetesEvery person with diabetes

must be permitted must be permitted

to play an active role to play an active role

in sharing responsibility in sharing responsibility

for his/her care and for his/her care and

his/her quality of lifehis/her quality of life