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The Next Step - Diabetes Scotland campaign

Everyone has the right to the treatment, support and technology that's appropriate for them.

Diabetes Scotland is campaigning for better access to diabetes technology for those who need it to manage their condition well. Scotland has to invest in diabetes technology. We need to provide the equipment, skills and training to both people living with the condition and healthcare professionals. We must ensure that people who can benefit from diabetes technology are given the opportunity to enjoy an improved quality of life.

We often hear from people with diabetes and their families about how their lives have been transformed by an insulin pump. The progress in delivering this technology in Scotland in recent years has been great to see.

But we also hear from families who are fed up waiting, who have experienced long waiting lists or difficulty persuading healthcare professionals they should have access to a particular technology. We know that a number of people using new technology have decided to self-fund and are receiving no support in learning how to use the equipment.

Everyone has the right to whatever treatment and support is appropriate for them. That could be an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring, or any of the emerging technologies which could offer freedom and stable diabetes control.

What needs to happen now?

  • We need leadership from the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. We need to ensure there is a pathway for patients to get the appropriate tools, and that any changes in budget doesn’t threaten the availability of these technologies.
  • Funding for the tools is only half the job; we need healthcare practitioners fluent in the tools. Staff training is as essential as the technologies themselves.

What you can do

  • Diabetes Scotland would like to hear stories from people and families for whom provision of technology has made a huge difference, or who have struggled with waiting lists. Email scotland@diabetes.org.uk with your story.
  • If you’re attending an event or a meeting and would like to raise this issue, email Gavin Thomson at gavin.thomson@diabetes.org.uk for more information and resources.
  • Check @DiabetesScot on Twitter and Facebook for updates.
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