COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the health service. The current focus is on reducing the spread of the virus through social distancing. As a result, many face-to-face appointments, operations and diabetes education classes have been cancelled.

The World Heart Federation published The diabetes-heart connection and the threat of COVID-19. In the report it states that:

Most or all viruses often affect those with underlying illnesses more critically than those in relatively good health.

The underlying illnesses that exacerbate risk to patients are diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and lung conditions, and some of these illnesses can often occur together. Understanding the inter-relationship of factors and treatment options make up one of our greatest challenges.

With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to reach out to people who are at risk of becoming Type 2 diabetic. We must ensure those that have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are receiving the support they need to enable them to manage their diabetes and live their best life.

A majority of the prevention and support services are being delivered remotely. This is so we can continue to support and enable people to self-manage or recognise when they need to access services.

Here you can find information and guidance on diabetes to support you during the pandemic.

Find more information on diabetes on the NHS website.