We’ve made £100,000 available for researchers to study more about coronavirus and diabetes, and we're listening to your concerns and raising them with government.
We’re constantly talking to the government, decision makers and health services across the UK to make sure people with diabetes and their families get the support they need. Here's what we've been up to in May.
Get the latest updates on how we're influencing the government on coronavirus.
For more information on how coronavirus could affect you, visit our guide to coronavirus and diabetes.
Learning about coronavirus through research
We need to know more about the risks of coronavirus to people with diabetes, and we need to know quickly. That’s why we’ve made £100,000 available for researchers to carry out urgent work to learn more about how the specific ways the virus affects people living with diabetes. We’re speeding up our usual funding processes so we can get this vital research started as soon as possible.
Listening to your concerns
Hearing from you helps us work even harder on your behalf. We ran a survey to find out people’s concerns and worries in relation to coronavirus. We heard from over 5,500 of you so thanks to everyone who shared their experiences with us. The key concerns you told us about were:
- Difficulties getting food shopping delivery slots.
- Leaving the home for work and being able to social distance in the workplace.
- Unclear and conflicting information about the risks of coronavirus for people with diabetes.
We launched another short coronavirus and employment survey to find out about any issues and concerns you have had since the UK Government guidance was announced on Sunday 10th May about easing restrictions.
We are acting on these issues and have started using your responses and experiences in our work.
We’re here for you
Our services have faced unprecedented demand, but we’re doing everything we can to make sure everyone who needs our help gets it.
- We’ve provided a listening ear to 500 to 600 people a day on our helpline, answering concerns about your diabetes management, about keeping safe and well while at home, and about accessing medication and food during lockdown.
- We’ve responded to around 775 emails, web-chats and social media posts each and every day, helping you to access the help and information you need.
- We’ve supported more than 20,000 of you through our 24/7 online forum, helping people with diabetes to feel less isolated, and offering peer-to-peer support.
This really is a challenging time for all of us. But our commitment to you is that we’re going to keep doing everything in our power to make sure the information you get is up-to-date and accurate, and that we’re taking your worries and concerns to the key decision makers and pressing them to make the right decisions to keep you safe and well. That’s why we want to keep hearing from you, and will keep listening and responding to the issues that are most important to you.
If you need us, we’re here for you. Our helpline is here if you need to talk to us about any concerns or worries you have, and you can reach us on 0345 123 2399, or by emailing helpline@diabetes.org.uk. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, and we’re here to help.
More information
We’ve prepared some tailored advice to support people with diabetes in staying at home, focusing on keeping well, eating well, and staying active. And for all the latest information on how coronavirus could affect you, visit our guide to coronavirus and diabetes.
