← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Diabetes Treatments
29 October 2024
Lead MP
Sarah Bool
South Northamptonshire
Con
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 3526
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Sarah Bool raised concerns about diabetes treatments in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker asks for an end to the postcode lottery in diabetes treatment, greater access to technology like hybrid closed loop systems, awareness of type 1 diabetes treatments in schools, expansion of early testing for type 1 diabetes, national roll-out of new drugs such as teplizumab and increased support for those at risk of T1DE (disordered eating).
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The speaker is concerned about the stigma surrounding diabetes and its complications. She highlights that over 5 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes, including 4,329 in her constituency of South Northamptonshire. Only 54% of her constituents received all eight essential checks last year. The total cost to the NHS is £10.7 billion, with 60% spent on complications such as heart failure, amputations, strokes, and heart attacks. She emphasizes that early detection can prevent these complications.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Lady for securing the debate and declares his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, noting disparities in NHS treatment across different UK areas. Highlights that diabetes should not be a death sentence but also does not have to adversely affect quality of life.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Harris. I welcome the hon. Member for South Northamptonshire (Sarah Bool) to this place and thank her for securing the debate and sharing her personal experience. With over 4.9 million people in the UK having diabetes and 2 million at risk of type 2 diabetes, tackling preventable ill health is crucial. The Government aims to ensure best possible care for those with types 1 and 2 diabetes, supporting healthier lives regardless of location. Annual diabetes reviews cover eight processes recommended by NICE; however, only 42% received all checks in 2019 before the pandemic. NHS invested £14.5 million over two years to support up to 140,000 people aged 18-39 with additional tailored health checks for diabetes management and stigma reduction. Technology such as real-time continuous glucose monitoring and hybrid closed loop systems are critical in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes; NHS England has developed a national strategy with guidance for phased uptake of these life-changing technologies, prioritizing children, young people, pregnant women, and adults using pumps. The Minister addressed concerns about access to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic by stating the Government works closely with manufacturers to resolve global supply issues. On prevention, Healthier You NHS diabetes prevention programme supports lifestyle changes reducing risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%. A focused engagement campaign raises awareness among high-risk groups, and the type 2 diabetes path to remission programme provides a low calorie diet for recent diagnoses. The Government looks forward to future policy making informed by ongoing studies like ELSA and University of Bristol's research.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.