On May 28th, the Scottish Government announced up to £8.8 million in additional funding for diabetes technology. They have said that £8.8m will be invested into closed loop system technology, transforming the lives of tens of thousands across the country. This commitment ensures that all children and more adults living with type 1 diabetes in Scotland will have access to the technology, signalling a strong national commitment to improving diabetes care.

This investment follows significant advocacy efforts by Diabetes Scotland. In March 2023, the organisation launched their ‘Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait’ campaign, calling for equitable access to diabetes technology across Scotland. Thousands of supporters from across the country joined forces with Diabetes Scotland and the Tech Collective (a group advocating for diabetes technology access), demanding improvements in access to this essential medical equipment.

John Kinnear, National Director of Diabetes Scotland said: “This is fantastic news. It will ensure all children and more adults living with type 1 diabetes in Scotland will have access to closed loop system technology. This technology is life-changing and makes a massive difference to thousands of families the length and breadth of the country.”

“Fair and equal access to diabetes technology for people living with diabetes is important as it not only transforms quality of life but could prevent people from developing complications and free up NHS resources in the long term.”

"Whilst this is undoubtedly fantastic news, this still leaves many people on unacceptably long waiting lists. People who must manage this relentless condition day in day out without this vital support. We will continue working until everyone who could benefit from diabetes technology can access it.”

"This achievement highlights the efforts of each and every campaigner, including those in the Tech Collective. To everyone who has campaigned as part of Diabetes Tech Can't Wait, thank you."

The announced investment is a significant step towards fulfilling the Scottish Government’s commitment to increasing access to diabetes technologies for all who would benefit, as outlined in its ‘Diabetes Improvement Plan’. It also furthers the investment made in October 2023 to accelerate the distribution of closed loop systems, demonstrating the ongoing progress in the UK’s effort to roll out closed loop systems en masse.

Read more: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/scottish-government-announces-new-funding-diabetes-technology-scotland