31/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The diabetes simulation has brought to light just how difficult it is to provide clear and accurate information to patients. Following the high number of criticisms (see the results of the consultation online at: http: //ec.europa.eu/health/ph_overview/other_policies/pharmaceutical/consultation_en.htm), the High Level Pharmaceutical Forum recently called on the European Commission and the experts from member states to go back to the drawing board on the information on diabetes to be included on this prototype internet site. The results of the consultation show that, with the exception of a few corporatist positions, such as that of the Order of Pharmacists in France, a patient's right to access to information and the need for quality information are generally accepted. There are fears that this information might be misused for commercial purposes, but they are nothing compared with the difficulty of balancing scientific rigour, on the one hand, and clarity and user-friendliness, tailored to fit 27 national cultures, on the other. (oj)