In Northern Ireland, we’re working hard to make sure that people with diabetes can get the care they need. Many people living with diabetes have still not been seen by their healthcare teams during the coronavirus pandemic, which is deeply concerning.
We launched our Diabetes is Serious campaign in Northern Ireland in November 2021, to highlight the difficulties people with diabetes were facing in getting the care they need. Getting the right care makes a world of difference, but too many people with diabetes have been waiting for appointments to be rescheduled. That’s why we’ll keep taking action until everyone gets the support they need to live well with diabetes.
Your voice is so important in ensuring that decision-makers in Northern Ireland understand just how serious diabetes is. In 2023, more than 13,000 people living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes across the UK filled in our survey about their experience during 2022.
What did the survey say?
We found:
- More than half of people with diabetes experienced difficulties managing their condition in 2022.
- More than a third attributed these difficulties, at least in part, to a lack of care and support from their diabetes healthcare team.
- Almost one in four attributed these difficulties, at least in part, to not being able to access the diabetes technology they needed.
- 14% said they had had no contact with their diabetes healthcare team in over a year.
“Access to my GP during the pandemic is extremely difficult and this has caused significant stress.”
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is calling for:
- A diabetes audit in Northern Ireland and the infrastructure needed to support it, like the National Diabetes Audit in England and Wales.
- Recurrent and sustainable investment in the Diabetes Prevention Programme to support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to make changes to their health and behaviour so fewer people develop the condition each year.
- Implementation of commitments within the Mental Health Strategy to ensure that mental health pathways for people with diabetes are available.
- A plan to increase uptake of diabetes technology to everyone who can benefit from it, regardless of diabetes type.
- The development of a comprehensive workforce strategy to address longstanding service gaps which are currently adversely affecting care of people with diabetes.
'Diabetes Can’t Wait – Northern Ireland' report 2022
Our 'Diabetes is Serious – Northern Ireland' report 2022 highlights how people with diabetes in Northern Ireland felt they were able to manage their condition during uncertain and difficult times. In it, we make recommendations to the Northern Ireland Assembly to address the significant gaps that remain in diabetes care and prevention.
Read our ‘Diabetes Is Serious – Northern Ireland’ report
How can I get involved?
We’ve got lots planned in the coming months to raise awareness with local and UK governments. Diabetes is serious. But together, we are too.
Sign-up for updates so you can keep in touch with the campaign and all the different ways you can get involved.
You can find out more about our influencing work in Northern Ireland here.
How can I get support?
Access our information and support on all the issues raised in this campaign.
If you have any questions about the campaign, or about our research, please contact campaigns@diabetes.org.uk
