14 November 2025

On November 13 2025, MMD Members MEP Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal) and MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland) jointly hosted the World Diabetes Day 2025 event, “Towards a Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Strategy in Diabetes: Understanding Women’s Health Across the Life Course”.

The event brought together key policy and diabetes stakeholders to place women’s health at the forefront of the political agenda. Taking a life-course approach, we explored the specific health challenges women face when living with a chronic condition such as diabetes across each stage of their lives. Using diabetes as a case study, the event called for a dedicated, comprehensive EU women’s health strategy that promotes a truly sex-sensitive approach and effectively addresses women’s unique health needs.

We wish to thank MMD Member MEP Romana Jerković and MEP Billy Kelleher for their participation and support throughout the event.

We extend our sincere thanks to our hosts, MMD Members MEP Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral and MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen, as well as to all partners and participants who contributed to this timely discussion. Their commitment to advancing women’s health and promoting sex- and gender-sensitive care in diabetes is essential to driving meaningful policy change across Europe.