PIF member Diabetes UK has launched a campaign calling on the Government to recognise the impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes and prioritise care and prevention.
Diabetes Is Serious highlights that people with the condition are more vulnerable to developing severe illness if they get coronavirus.
It says people with diabetes should be at the heart of Government plans to support the country and health system as it rebuilds.
As part of the campaign, Diabetes UK has published an open letter to health secretary Sajid Javid.
You can read and sign the open letter here.
Diabetes Can't Wait
Diabetes UK has also published a Diabetes Can't Wait report outlining learnings and insights about the experiences of people with diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Key findings include:
- One in three people with diabetes are still waiting for cancelled appointments during the pandemic to be rescheduled.
- A further third of people with diabetes have had no contact with their healthcare professional team during the pandemic.
- Nearly half of respondents had difficulties managing their diabetes during the pandemic.
- Those from more deprived areas and people from minority ethnic communities responded more negatively about their experiences in accessing care during the pandemic.
Key recommendations include:
- More investment to better support and expand the workforce supporting people with diabetes across primary, specialist and inpatient care.
- Support for services to tackle missed checks and appointments and get diabetes services back in full swing.
- Expanded access to diabetes tech to support more people with diabetes remotely.