In recent weeks there has been an attempt to limit the freedom of people with diabetes in Lombardy, they speak of the possibility of cure in the most appropriate and suitable to their needs.
It all started when some of the ASL Lombardia have issued a call lasting 4 years for devices of blood glucose, blood glucose meters. The only criterion for the award winners of this competition will be the cost. That win products that simply cost less, regardless of the quality of the unit, the 'reliability of the measurement of glucose, the painfulness of the operation and ease of use. This policy will be extended to all ASL Lombardy Region through a Government Decision, and then at national level for the 500,000 people with diabetes in Lombardy and the 3 million Italians with diabetes quality of life and care will be severely compromised.
So for 4 years the provision of aids, such as blood glucose test strips and lancing, will be blocked by this notice: patients and diabetologists no longer be able to choose the equipment best or most suitable for your lifestyle, but will They are required to only one device more convenient. Not only: in fact this will block innovation and technological research in the field of better devices. It should also be noted that this decision is in stark contrast to the principles of the Manifesto of the People with Diabetes and recently signed with the law 115/87.
As the news spread, all the associations of Lombardy patients with diabetes have been mobilized in a unified manner, before a general indignation against the decision of the Lombardy Region. All this has sparked even a parliamentary question to the Minister of Health. By comparing it generated seems to have been reached a first result: the parties involved (ASL and associations) have agreed to suspend the call in and review the current criteria for allocation of such notice, including for example the quality. But there is still nothing definitive, and we await developments and to never let our guard down.
Of course, this is a great victory for the associations and the voluntary sector, to which must be complimented for this step forward in solving the problem and confirms that together we can win these battles. However, the shock remains true for this attack, the consequence of a too cold managerial public health. Maybe we should make it clear to our administrators that a purely economic assessment can have serious repercussions on daily life and on disease management: the health of people can not be questioned, life is priceless.
Together with some major changes coming in 2010 'Association of Italian cyclists with diabetes: the Diabetes & Cycling volunteer group is ready to deal with energy events of the new season!
First of all there was the inauguration of the official website of C & D: www.ciclismoediabete.it . This important tool was needed more than ever: now that the association is becoming more and more authority and reputation needed a dedicated space and a direct address to which to refer, to gather and share experiences.
Since its inception, our blog Sunt Diabetes has done his small part of communicating in a "spontaneous" news, events, statements and Cycling Diabetes (evidenced by the rich collection of articles that talk about it ). We will continue to do so with pleasure, telling our point of view and working with the new official website!
The site is available on the new statute of Cycling & Diabetes NGO, which contains the principles that inspired the activities of the association. Andrea Guerra returns as president of C & D (after having been in the early years): in 2009 the charge was covered by David Panichi ... So a special thanks to him for work done, and we wish the new president, even if the spirit of the group surely we will all move together, each doing their part!
Another new feature is the 'subscription to the association: to bring order to the many participants of Diabetes & Cycling (we are more than 100) it was decided to prepare a proper form. Just visit the Campaign 2010 accessions and complete your details to enter the ranks of C & D and to subscribe to the newsletter, staying up to date with all the news. Are you a cyclist? You have diabetes mellitus? Do not miss out, subscribe now! 
Finally, the program for the new year here all the events . The main official events, already tested in previous years, will be:
- The Marathon Davide Cassani in Faenza on March 20 to 21
- traveled will be the 12th stage of Tour of Italy on 18-19-20 May in Citta Sant'Angelo (Perugia)
- the most important event, the Fifth National Championship Road for Cyclists with diabetes (trophy Changing Diabetes), during the Pre-Marathon on 10-11 July 2010 in Biella Biella
- The Marathon Straducale July 25 at Urbino
- the Third National MTB Championships on 2-3 October in Bieno Valsugana (TN)
- and to close the loop-annual meeting of the World Diabetes Day on 13-14 November in Perugia.
Continue reading 'Cycling & Diabetes 2010 version: program and news!'
I want to point out to all children with diabetes in the mountains and snowboard enthusiasts an interesting initiative, the SnowDiab. It is five days to pass in the snow 13 to 17 February 2010 in Step Vezzena (Lavarone Plateau, TN).
The event is aimed at all young people with type 1 diabetes aged between 15 and 20 years. The program includes snowboarding lessons and aerobic exercise, which in addition to a healthy entertainment allow the students to confront each other and increase their knowledge about diabetes.
The price to participate is very affordable and includes lift tickets and equipment rental: health and fun are guaranteed!
The initiative is organized by ADIQ, Mountaineers in Diabetics Quote, an association headed by Marco Peruffo which includes several mountain enthusiasts. In addition to activities such as SnowDiab, ADIQ organizes real expeditions at high altitude which makes the news around the world, proving once again that the person with diabetes, although it is, has no limits, both in small and large companies.
For those interested in SnowDiab 2010, the time is short: For more information visit www.adiq.org , write to adiq@adiq.org or Mattia Tanza mattitan@hotmail.com . Also available is the application form to SnowDiab 2010 .
Good skiing holidays! 
A few weeks ago all people with diabetes have received a small Christmas present, even though many did not know it yet ... I'm talking about 174 on the motion passed unanimously in the Senate Diabetes December 3, 2009. This document marks an important stage of a journey begun long: just think of the Manifesto of the Rights of Persons with Diabetes signed just last summer by parliamentary association and associations, of which we had already spoken . Now some of the principles of the Manifesto seem to find a first practical application! The motion in fact emphasizes the right of all people with diabetes to access the best possible care as is necessary, and that this should be largely free and homogeneous throughout, Recalling also Article 32 of the Constitution. The document also refers to the problems of complications and the availability of the principals for the measurement of glucose, the popular strips often insufficient.
Article 32 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic
The Republic safeguards health as a fundamental right of the individual and collective interest, and guarantees free medical care to the needy ...
This motion is a beautiful example of constructive cooperation between the associations, the medical and scientific institutions, government agencies. Even politics has played its part with this motion bi-partisan, for example through the efforts of Senators Ignazio Marino, Emanuela Baio, Anthony Tomassini and minister Ferruccio Fazio ... All this is part of the historic Act 115 of 1987, never fully implemented despite its great importance for diabetes: a step forward, however, that it will follow many more!
I enclose below the motion 1-00174 on diabetes and the manifesto of rights, I invite everyone to read documents as they are fundamental tools with which to say the best of our needs. Download:
I take this opportunity to wish everyone good news for a Merry Christmas and a happy 2010, hoping that Christmas was not too clear ... and calories! 
Simone
Today, November 14, 2009, is World Diabetes Day, as established by the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes. I want to address all the following message ...
The blue circle, the symbol of World Diabetes Day
This date is a great opportunity for the 300 million people with diabetes worldwide, a chance for redemption. The World Day offers us the opportunity to shine the spotlight on this scourge that still kills today, especially in poor countries: it is a scandal. We bring to our support people with diabetes with positive messages of the beauty of life. But ask in a loud voice the commitment of institutions and knowledge about the treatment, the same for all the assistance, and medical research, putting the individual at the center of everything. Prevention should be promoted where possible, educating on healthy lifestyles in the 'power and in' physical activity, especially for young people. It is necessary to sensitize the society and the media, by conveying the rights of people with diabetes to reduce ignorance, injustice, and the prejudices that still exist today anachronistic.
A better future for diabetes is possible, for everyone's build it together.
This World Diabetes Day to be a party: we participate in activities in piazzas and associations, let's hear it. The blue circle is the symbol that identifies diabetes: indossiamolo diffondiamolo and everywhere, even on the internet.
Here ..., I can only wish all people with diabetes (I do not like using the word "diabetes") and all the readers a good World Diabetes Day!
Simone
PS: more information in the previous articles of this blog or on the official website www.worlddiabetesday.org
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