More than 360,000 people in Scotland, around 6.7% of the population, are now living with diabetes, and that number is only increasing every year. Yet in Scotland, where you live can still determine the care you receive, the technology you can access, and the support available to you. But this is not inevitable.
We're calling on the next Scottish Government to take urgent action to improve the experiences and outcomes of people with diabetes, all focused on the need to deliver care, consistency and choice.
That’s why we have launched our 2026 election manifesto: Care, Consistency, Choice, setting out five key asks of the next Scottish Government.
Our manifesto sets out a clear way forward to improve the care and support available to people with diabetes and those at risk of developing it in the future, ultimately leading to better experiences and outcomes for everyone.
Our five urgent asks of the next Scottish Government are:
- End the postcode lottery of care by introducing national minimum standards for diabetes reviews, structured education and technology, supported by improved national data to tackle variation and inequality.
- Make diabetes care more connected by creating coordinated, person-centred pathways linking primary, secondary and community services, and embedding timely mental health and peer support.
- Deliver equitable access to diabetes technology through continued investment, consistent eligibility and high-quality education
- Put people at the centre of care through shared decision-making, timely access to appointments and information, and meaningful involvement in service design.
- Invest now for the future by expanding prevention, strengthening the diabetes workforce and scaling professional training to help reduce complications and long-term NHS costs.
You can get involved by contacting your local candidates to ask them to improve the care and support available to people living with diabetes.
Email your candidates
Other ways to get involved by
- Sharing our manifesto asks with candidates, MSPs and your local representatives.
- Using your voice on social media to highlight why diabetes care matters and call for fair, consistent support.
- Engaging with candidates to ask them to commit to taking positive action to improve diabetes care.
- Supporting Diabetes Scotland’s campaign activity, online and in-person.
- Sharing your experience to show the impact of policy decisions on everyday life
How else has Diabetes Scotland been campaigning recently?
On 12 November 2025, we held a parliamentary reception sponsored by Emma Harper MSP (Co-Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Diabetes) to mark World Diabetes Day. Focusing on the importance of essential diabetes care, the event brought together MSPs, healthcare professionals, industry experts and people living with diabetes.
At the event, guests heard from Emma Harper MSP, Jenni Minto (Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health), Dr Robert Lindsey, Dr Cameron Munro and Professor Ewan Pearson.
Jenn Hall, Diabetes Scotland’s new National Director, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the nine essential care processes to ensure people can live well and proactively manage their diabetes and the impact of stigma on accessing health care.
“Every person living with diabetes deserves consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care, no matter where they live.”
We were pleased to also be joined by two of our excellent supporters, Martin and Andy Nolan, who shared their personal experiences of type 2 diabetes.
How can I get support?
Access our information and support on all the issues raised in this campaign.
