Call for Government action from Diabetes UK

A new campaign launched by Diabetes UK is calling on the Government to understand just how serious diabetes is.

One in 14 people in the UK are now living with diabetes, and the number of people diagnosed with the condition has doubled in the last 15 years.

As highlighted by the charity, the pandemic has shown how serious diabetes is, as people with the condition are more vulnerable to developing severe illness if they get coronavirus.

While healthcare professionals across the country have worked tirelessly throughout this period, the pandemic has significantly impacted people with diabetes' access to vital health checks and support.

One in three people with diabetes are still waiting for cancelled appointments during the pandemic to be rescheduled.

Altogether, people with diabetes have been one of the groups most affected by the pandemic and should be at the heart of the Government's plans to support the country and health system as it rebuilds.

The ‘Diabetes is Serious’ campaign calls on the Government to make sure diabetes care and prevention is a priority, and to provide it with the investment and attention it needs.

To support the campaign, please sign an open letter drafted by Diabetes UK to the new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid which calls for action to be taken and recognition that diabetes is serious and should be a key priority as the UK recovers from the pandemic.

For full details on the recommendations published by Diabetes UK, you can access the ‘Diabetes Can’t Wait’ report here.

At Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCG, we work closing with our Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) providers, Living Well Taking Control, to ensure that the right support is available for people who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

If you would like to find out more about the programme, please click here for information.

You can also find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes via the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool available on the Diabetes UK website.