In Scotland, 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.
In December 2021, we launched our Diabetes is Serious campaign in Scotland, highlighting the serious disruption many people with diabetes have faced in their care. Only around one in 10 adults with diabetes in Scotland received all of their essential annual checks, also called care processes. This backlog of care is putting lives in danger, and we’re taking action.
In 2023, we surveyed more than 1500 people living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes in Scotland about their experience during 2022.
It highlighted unequal access to diabetes care, and the disproportionate impact this is having on people in the most deprived areas.
We found that:
- There are around 340,000 people living with diabetes in Scotland
- 57.4% of respondents faced difficulties making appointments for check up
- 59.9% of survey respondents in the most deprived quintile of Scotland experienced difficulties managing their diabetes, compared to 46.6% in the least deprived
Our Recommendations to the Scottish Government
- Ensure people living with diabetes have access to technology that would allow them to manage their condition better.
- That the Scottish Government future proof our healthcare system to tackle the growing diabetes health crisis.
Read our ‘Diabetes Is Serious – Scotland’ Report 2023
How can I support this campaign?
We’ve got lots planned in the coming months to raise awareness with MSPs and the 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.
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
