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Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating Services 2025-03-05
05 March 2025
Lead MP
Josh Newbury
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Josh Newbury raised concerns about type 1 diabetes and disordered eating services 2025-03-05 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is a privilege to have secured a debate on the chronic but often misunderstood condition of type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, known as T1DE. Separately, these conditions are well-known but together they exacerbate each other and can become life-threatening. Type 1 diabetes requires constant monitoring and management through insulin injections and blood glucose tests. The strict attention to diet and nutrition necessary for managing type 1 diabetes can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits, especially in the form of disordered eating. Up to 40% of women and girls with type 1 diabetes experience some form of disordered eating, leading to serious medical consequences such as kidney problems, bone wastage, amputations, blindness, and death. There is a need for joined-up services that combine diabetes care and eating disorder support. NHS England's T1DE pilot sites are trailblazing projects that offer hope for faster recovery from T1DE and reduced hospital admissions. The Government should ensure long-term funding for these pilots to build sustainable services across the country. Additionally, there is a need for increased awareness of T1DE within general practice and eating disorder services to ensure tailored care.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's work on mental health support for diabetics throughout the United Kingdom.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
We need to destigmatise both conditions so that patients can receive the right support.
Alex McIntyre
Lab
Gloucester
Part of tackling this issue is recognising its impact on families across the country, as that is the first step to ensuring people get the support they need.
Tom Collins
Lab
Worcester
We must provide not just practical but emotional support integrated around individuals and their families for those with T1DE.
Tom Gordon
Lib Dem
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Contributes by mentioning the work of Breakthrough T1D and JDRF, urging the Government to implement recommendations from a report by Theresa May and Sir George Howarth.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Suggests that Northern Ireland has the highest number of type 1 diabetics in the UK and asks for consideration of having a diabetes plan for all regions working together.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the issue of T1DE and the work being done by various charities. She highlights NHS England's pilot projects aimed at managing T1DE through an integrated pathway approach and mentions funding extensions until March 2026. The Minister also discusses ongoing investments in annual diabetes reviews, technology like real-time continuous glucose monitoring, and screening programmes such as ELSA for early detection of type 1 diabetes. She commits to working with the APPG on diabetes to implement recommendations and promises to keep stakeholders updated on developments regarding T1DE management and services.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.