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.
What’s happening now?
Your voice is so important in ensuring that decision-makers in Northern Ireland understand just how serious diabetes is. Thanks to everybody who took our survey in January, we will be using the vital information to inform our Diabetes is Serious campaign going forward.
Sign up to keep up to date with our campaign and be the first to know when how we’re taking action.
What does the report say?
Our 'Diabetes is Serious – Northern Ireland' report 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
We found that:
A quarter of people had consultations cancelled since March 2020 that have still not taken place.
People with diabetes accounted for 20.6% of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland from March to December 2020
53.5% reported having difficulties managing their diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic
Two-thirds of respondents had reported that anxiety, worry, or stress caused by the pandemic was another reason for having difficulties managing their diabetes since March 2020
“Access to my GP during the pandemic is extremely difficult and this has caused significant stress.”
Our recommendations to the Northern Ireland Assembly
That the health service prioritise the delivery of routine diabetes care and catch up on the backlog of appointments caused by coronavirus.
The development of a National Diabetes Audit for Northern Ireland.
Investment in preventing type 2 diabetes, and putting type 2 diabetes into remission.
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
