Diabetes is serious, but much of the harm it causes can be prevented. Northern Ireland has an opportunity to improve health outcomes, reduce complications and support more people to live well with diabetes.
In Northern Ireland, 119,955 people are living with diabetes and 88,579 are living with prediabetes. As more people are diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes, the next Northern Ireland Assembly must put prevention, early intervention and long-term diabetes planning at the heart of healthcare policy and reform.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is calling on all political parties to commit to five actions:
- Invest in type 2 diabetes prevention through a regional approach, wider access to evidence-based prevention and remission support, healthier food environments and stronger community-based services.
- Deliver earlier diagnosis so people with every type of diabetes and prediabetes receive timely support to reduce health impact and are empowered to manage their condition and live well.
- Tackle inequalities by ensuring fair access to care, treatment, technology, education and support, regardless of postcode, background or circumstance.
- Accelerate innovation and harness data by providing equitable access to diabetes technology and building an integrated regional diabetes audit with better data sharing and transparency.
- Secure the future of diabetes care with a clear, funded and accountable long-term strategy that embeds diabetes in health and social care reform and neighbourhood care planning.
Northern Ireland Manifesto 2027
Our Northern Ireland Manifesto 2027 sets out a practical plan to end the harm caused by diabetes. It calls for investment in prevention, earlier diagnosis, action to tackle inequalities, faster access to life-changing technology, better use of data and a funded and accountable long-term strategy for diabetes care.
Read our Northern Ireland Manifesto 2027
How can I get involved?
We’re asking political parties and candidates to back the five actions in our manifesto and make diabetes a long-term health priority. Together, we can build a future where fewer people develop diabetes and everyone affected gets the support they need to live well.
Sign up for updates to follow the campaign, hear about opportunities to take action and help us call for change across Northern Ireland.
How can I get support?
Access our information and support on all the issues raised in this campaign.
If you have questions about the manifesto or our campaign work in Northern Ireland, email campaigns@diabetes.org.uk.
