Diabetes UK launches 'Future of Diabetes' report in parliament
Diabetes UK writes following an event in parliament to mark World Diabetes Day, attended by Health Minister Steve Brine, which saw the publication of the 'Future of Diabetes' report.
Diabetes UK has launched a new report, which explores what people with diabetes want to see from the future of care and support, at a special event in Parliament on World Diabetes Day (Tuesday 14th November 2017).
The report represents the views of over 9,000 people with diabetes – one of the largest consultations of its type ever conducted - and it identifies six fundamental themes that would make living with diabetes more manageable for those with the condition. These include:
- Making support with the emotional aspects of diabetes more available;
- Better access to healthcare professionals who understand diabetes,
- Access to new technologies;
- Greater understanding and support at work or school
- Hope for the future, with more research into a cure, better treatments for all types of diabetes, and to see more done to prevent Type 2 diabetes.
In response Diabetes UK is urging the Government to radically improve health outcomes for people with diabetes, by committing to sustaining transformation funding at current levels of £44 million, until at least 2021.
Speaking at the House of Commons reception Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “As we launch this report here in Westminster, we’re asking Government to commit to sustaining the transformation funding that has been delivered with good effect already, and build on the progress being made through the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
“Our Future of Diabetes report must represent a point of fresh commitment, and new sustained action to provide the care, treatment, support, and information needed to ensure that both the physical and psychological needs of people with diabetes are met.”
Health Minister Steve Brine also spoke at the event, and highlighted what the Government is currently doing to improve diabetes care, and prevent further cases of Type 2 diabetes.
He said: “Managing diabetes is set to become one of the major clinical challenges of the 21st century for the NHS. It is clear to see why improving the health outcomes of people living with diabetes and those at risk of Type 2 diabetes are key priorities for this Government. We are working hard to improve diabetes services, and getting a reduction in the variation for diabetes management and care by 2020 is a Mandate objective for the NHS.
“I’m proud that Diabetes UK, in partnership with NHS England and Public Health England, has had great success working on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. It’s the first prevention programme of its kind, and shows positive early signs. Public wellbeing initiatives, such as Change for Life and One You, are also crucial in encouraging healthy lifestyles and reducing life-limiting conditions like diabetes.”
Guests also heard from Colin Tiso, who has Type 2 diabetes, and contributed to the Future of Diabetes report. He spoke about the reality of living with the condition and the importance of engaging with people with diabetes to understand their hopes and fears for the future.
Colin said: “I’m so glad I found Diabetes UK and all the support you offer. It’s so important that we, the people with diabetes, are asked what we want, what we think you’re doing right, what we think is going well and not so well.
“We have the experience to help make things better. And with your support and the support of other healthcare professionals and politicians who are in the room, I believe we can get to a future where our hopes are realised – a future where diabetes can do no harm.”
The event, hosted by Liz McInnes MP, Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes, was attended by over a hundred guests including MPs, healthcare professionals and diabetes campaigners.
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