Recently, two stakeholder meetings in Italy demonstrated the potential for our existing city partners to share their experience, create awareness and motivate potential new partner cities. The first meeting took place in April at the City Hall of Varese, a day before the city's annual EcoRun event. Representatives from Cities Changing Diabetes met with local stakeholders, including the General Director of the Local Health Unit, the Medical Hospital Director, and representatives from Scientific Societies and the regional Counsellor. The meeting focused on discussing the mission and values of Cities Changing Diabetes and its work in the eight partner cities across Italy.

Cities Changing Diabetes in Italy: Knowledge sharing with new cities

On 19 April, the Cities Changing Diabetes Italy Atlas was presented to regional representatives, including politicians, academics, health sector leaders and Andrea Lenzi, the president of the Health City Institute.

The Atlas provides information about the prevalence of diabetes and contains information relating to health-promoting policies, urban planning and community health in Italy. Our two partner cities Rome and Milan have mapped the impact of urbanisation on type 2 diabetes, and the Atlas draws attention to how the prevalence of diabetes varies between neighbourhoods and is influenced by socioeconomic factors. 

Convening stakeholders from regional government and sharing knowledge in this way is a great way to build the case for obesity and diabetes prevention. Well done to all involved!