Speaking during an Assembly debate on the issue, the Minister told members about the improvement in services for diabetes since 2003.
Mr McGimpsey said: “With more than 60,000 diabetics living in Northern Ireland, this is an issue I take extremely seriously.
“In 2003, my Department published the CREST/Diabetes UK strategy which included standards for prevention, early detection, ongoing care, monitoring and treatment of diabetes. This strategy highlighted where investment was needed and since then over £10million recurrently has been put into a range of services for the care and treatment of people with diabetes.
“Seventy additional staff including diabetic nurse specialists, dieticians and podiatrists have been recruited, a comprehensive eye screening programme has been developed to prevent unnecessary blindness, and GP practices are better prepared nowadays to look after people with diabetes.
“As with a lot of health conditions and diseases, there is cross-over with other conditions, which is why diabetes is addressed in the Cardiovascular Service Framework, which I will publish shortly.”
The Minister concluded: “Diabetes requires more than a medical response, it also needs a lifestyle response. The new Public Health Agency, which I set up earlier this year, will make sure that the public take responsibility for their own health. Eating healthy food, taking exercise, giving up smoking, and drinking sensibly are all actions which can help prevent diabetes and other serious illnesses.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The CREST/Diabetes UK strategy for diabetes is available online
2. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520579. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
