Diabetes UK

Here at Diabetes UK, we recognise the pressure that the NHS is under during this time of crisis and the stress on healthcare professionals who are yet again, being asked to go above and beyond to respond to the Omicron variant. We are so grateful for everything all healthcare professionals are doing at this difficult time, and hope to support you in any way we can.

We are also concerned about the current backlog of diabetes care, the further delays to addressing this and the impact this will have on people living with diabetes and the NHS in the coming months and years. We have used our insights to develop guidance to help healthcare professionals and local health systems provide the best support for people living with diabetes both during and after this challenging time. This covers how primary care can support people with diabetes, what local health systems can do to support people with diabetes and what Diabetes UK will do to support people with diabetes. You can access the guidance in PDF here: Diabetes care during the coronavirus booster roll out and winter pressures, and all of our resources for healthcare professionals during Covid-19 here.

We know that over the coming months supporting people with self-care is going to be more important than ever, so we’ve provided some key resources and links to information that may help:

• Our North of England Diabetes UK signposting leaflet, provides information about our peer support options, helpline, learning zone and other support and information we offer, and is attached to this email.
• People worried about their risk of developing t2 diabetes can still get information and support, including self-referral into the national diabetes prevention programme, through our website and free online Know Your Risk tool.
• Our guide to t1 diabetes and guide to t2 diabetes are free and available to download or order in hard copy on the links provided.
• Our guide to diabetes and looking after your feet is free and available to download or order in hard copy on the links provided.
• Our guide to eating well with diabetes is free and available to download or order in hard copy on the links provided.
• We also have information about managing diabetes when you are sick.

We are reminding  people It can be helpful to take things one day at a time and remember some of things that you can do to help you manage your diabetes and stay-well, along side the importance of peer support. Our top tips include:

• Make sure you’re stocked up on all the medications you need while your GP is shut.  
• Be aware of higher blood sugar levels. It is fine to have the occasional spike but try to make sure your blood sugar levels don’t stay too high for too long. 
• Ensure that you have your COVID-19 vaccines and the flu jab, this winter.
• If you can, stay active to help manage your diabetes. We know it’s a little more difficult in the colder months, but there are plenty of ways you can get active at home too.

We also have lots of ways for people to stay connected and find peer support. Whether that’s through our Diabetes UK forum or, if you’re in the North of England, our Friends of the North Facebook group. Finally, we don’t want people to feel guilty about enjoying some Christmas treats! For more information, guidance and support, people can visit www.diabetes.org.uk. 

We’d like to thank everyone again for all that you have done, and are doing, during these difficult times. We hope that you and your loved ones manage to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas, and wish you all the best for 2022.