Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Diabetes in Sport 2025-09-03

03 September 2025 · 10 other contributors

Opened by Chris Bloore Lab Redditch

Culture, Media & SportNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Bloore raised concerns about diabetes in sport 2025-09-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about diabetes in sport include stigma, exclusion, and barriers to participation.
  • Physical activity is crucial for people with diabetes as it improves insulin use and maintains blood glucose levels.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need to address barriers and announced investments in sports facilities and school sport partnerships.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Bloore Lab Redditch

It is a real privilege to speak on the vital topic of diabetes and sport. I thank Chris Bright and others for their support. Diabetes affects 12 million people in the UK, causing severe health issues. Physical activity helps combat these outcomes by improving insulin use and maintaining blood glucose levels within target ranges. Exercise can reduce insulin needs, maintain a healthy weight, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and support mental health. The debate highlights stigma, exclusion, misunderstanding, and barriers to sport participation faced by people with diabetes. We need national sports bodies to show leadership in training coaches and volunteers, providing clear policies, and tackling stigma.

Other contributors (10)
  • Sarah Bool Con South Northamptonshire

    As a type 1 diabetic myself, I agree with the hon. Member that exercise is excellent for moderating blood sugar levels.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I commend the hon. Member for bringing forward this debate and raising issues of diabetes and sport. I want to tell him about a young boy from back home who wants to inspire others despite his condition.

  • Sureena Brackenridge Lab Wolverhampton North East

    We need sporting bodies to prioritise awareness and education, tackle stigma, and ensure everyone can enjoy sport without unnecessary barriers.

  • Tom Collins Lab Worcester

    Sport should manage diabetes at an elite level so that there is a real opportunity for people with diabetes to own the condition and their sports performance.

  • Gurinder Singh Josan Lab Smethwick

    Sports organisations should focus on improving information and support for people from different ethnicities to ensure health inequalities are ironed out at every level.

  • Sarah Bool Con South Northamptonshire

    Supported the lead MP's concerns about stigma affecting physical activity among people with diabetes.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Added his support for addressing barriers to physical activity for those with diabetes.

  • Karin Smyth Lab Wolverhampton North East

    Emphasised the importance of including people with diabetes in sport and exercise activities.

  • Gurinder Singh Josan Con Smethwick

    Highlighted the need for better awareness and support to enable individuals with diabetes to participate safely in physical activity.

  • Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase

    Suggested that social prescribing should be used to direct people with diabetes towards physical activities, ensuring they can benefit from these initiatives without feeling stigmatized.

Government Response

Government Minister

The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing barriers faced by people with diabetes in participating in sport and physical activity. She highlighted that the Government's agenda is to shift from treatment to prevention through increased physical activity. The Department plans to invest £250 million in 100 places through Sport England, £400 million in local community sports facilities, and support new school sport partnerships to promote healthy behaviours early on. Examples of successful initiatives include the integration of health and leisure services in Essex and the use of social prescribing by NHS services. The Minister emphasised that national governing bodies are expected to have plans in place to support those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, and mentioned ongoing research through Sport England and Diabetes UK to address barriers and opportunities for physical activity. She also offered to meet stakeholders including the lead MP to discuss further actions.

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