DIABETES is serious and isn’t something you can ignore.

If people do not receive the care they need, it can put them at risk of serious complications, which can lead to premature death.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a backlog in the delivery of this routine yet vital care and, despite the tireless efforts of the NHS, many people living with diabetes are still struggling to access it.

Diabetes UK’s new report into diabetes care, published as part of our Diabetes is Serious campaign, was informed by a survey of more than 10,000 people living with and affected by diabetes.

It reveals that almost half (47%) of people with diabetes in England had experienced difficulties managing their condition in 2021.

Sixty-three per cent attributed this in part to not having sufficient access to their healthcare team, rising to 71% in the most deprived areas of the country.

We’re calling for an urgent recovery plan from the UK Government to tackle these devastating diabetes care delays before it’s too late.

We need considerable investment in care and the prevention of type 2 diabetes as well a cross-government strategy to tackle health inequalities.

Urgent action is required now. We need to get this essential, life-saving care back on track, or lives will be needlessly lost.

Add your voice to our Diabetes is Serious campaign by visiting: www.diabetes.org.uk/DiabetesIsSerious

Jill Steaton

Diabetes UK