Diabetes Scotland

24/02/2026

We’d like to say a massive thank you to Susan, who has raised an incredible £2,530 for Diabetes UK in memory of her husband Alan 💙

“Alan was a beloved husband, dad, brother and friend, whose strength, kindness, and sense of humour touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

“He lived with diabetes for many years, facing its challenges with courage and determination. In honour of his life and to help others living with diabetes today, we’re proud to support Diabetes UK, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by diabetes, funding research, and campaigning for better care.”

Susan also organised a silent disco earlier this month, as you can see from the photo, she had a great turnout 🙌

19/02/2026

“I did a sky dive for my brother Gary who would have turned 40 this past October. My brother sadly passed away at a young age of 37 due to having a diabetic hypoglycaemia back in April 2023.

“I had been going over in my head of all the memories I have with my brother, and one made sense for me to celebrate his 40th – a few years ago I was having a conversation with Gary about our sky dives where he was lucky enough to do one abroad (I did one in the UK) and I always remembered him saying to me “Gail if you ever get the chance to do one abroad, do it” so guess what… I went ahead and booked a 13,000 feet skydive for December in Dubai.

“I had this target of £10K that I wanted to reach, at the time I had raised £8,755 already since April 2024. I am so pleased to have hit my target and would like to thank everyone who supported me.”

Thank you, Gail, for raising an incredible amount over the past few years to help people living with diabetes, in memory of your brother 💙

29/01/2026

📣 Today we’re thrilled to be launching our diabetes manifesto which sets out what needs to change to improve diabetes care in Scotland.

More than 360,000 people – around 6.7% of Scotland’s population – are now living with diabetes, and NHS spending on diabetes is estimated at £875 million a year. Without decisive action on prevention, access and outcomes, this is projected to rise to £1.5 billion by 2035.

In Scotland, where you live can still determine the care you receive, the technology you can access, and the support available to you. This must change.

💬 “Diabetes treatment shouldn’t be determined by your postcode. With clear national standards, connected pathways and equitable access to technology and support, Scotland can deliver the care people deserve – care that is compassionate, consistent and offers genuine choice.

“Investing now will prevent harm, improve quality of life for those living with diabetes and future-proof the NHS.” – Jenn Hall, National Director at Diabetes Scotland.

We’ll be diving into our manifesto in more detail over the coming weeks on our Diabetes Scotland social media channels, so stay tuned.

Read, download and share our manifesto today.

https://orlo.uk/scotland-manifesto_UXZ6E

26/01/2026

Meet Anna, who will be taking on the Kiltwalk Big Stroll on Saturday 25 April along with her mum Deborah, all in aid of Diabetes UK 🙌

“Anna was diagnosed type 1 diabetic almost 5 years ago now. She is young and as a family we were all new to this. The support we received from Diabetes UK was incredible. Anna at times felt lonely and felt like she was the only child living with type 1. We were one of the lucky families to attend the Type 1 Diabetes weekender in Aviemore, a weekend that changed our lives. The full weekend was amazing, and we met people who are now friends for life, our diabuddies! The expenses were covered for the full family.

“Diabetes UK depend on donations to allow them to have these types of events to support other families and continue to provide these opportunities. Anna wanted to raise money in hope what we can make a difference and help go towards events for other young people to give them these experiences and show them they aren't alone in their journey!” 💙

If you’d like to get involved in any of the upcoming Kiltwalks, you can read more here: https://orlo.uk/scotland-kiltwalks_Nr4fK

21/01/2026

24/12/2025

We’re taking a short break over Christmas and New Year to rest and recover, but our Helpline will be back and ready to go from 9am on Friday 2 January 2026.

While we’re away, there’s lots of support waiting for you at diabetes.org.uk. From helpful information to our Online Support Forum, you’ll be able to connect with others who really get what living with diabetes is like 💙

If you need urgent medical help, please call 999. For anything less urgent, NHS 111 is available 24/7 📲

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can also call NHS 111 (option 2) or reach out to Samaritans on 116 123 as they’re always there to listen.

And if you’d simply like a friendly voice at the other end of the phone, the Check In and Chat service from the Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSam offers free, relaxed chats every day between 8am and 8pm. You can call them on 0808 196 3646.

From everyone here at Diabetes UK, we’re wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, happy end to 2025 ✨

22/12/2025

Thanks to our supporters who have made 2025 a fantastic year, we couldn’t have achieved what we have without the incredible support and dedication of our amazing volunteers. Thank you for all that you do for Diabetes Scotland! 💙

Merry Christmas to you all and wishing you a Happy New Year - we can't wait to see what's in store for 2026 🙌

11/12/2025

We were recently invited to speak at a diabetes awareness session at Cigna Healthcare in Glasgow. We talked about diabetes, the support we offer at Diabetes UK, and about fundraising.

It was brilliant to chat with attendees, and with Adrian Doherty who invited us along: “The visit has sparked quite a few conversations, and the materials are now on display around the two floors of the office”

Cigna Healthcare also kindly donated £500 – we’d like to say a huge thank you for their support and commitment to raising awareness of diabetes. 💙
Cigna Healthcare

09/12/2025

Do you live with type 1 diabetes? DigiBete are asking for your help to make their app even better!

NHS Scotland and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre are leading a study to learn how the DigiBete app is helping young people and families, and how they can make it even more useful for your health and wellbeing. By sharing your experience, you'll help shape the future of diabetes support in Scotland 🙌

You can join if you use the DigiBete app and are a young person (up to 25) living with type 1 diabetes or a parent, carer or family member of a child with type 1.

Fill out the survey here: https://orlo.uk/digibete-survey_fKd2T

As a thank you for participating, you can enter a free prize draw to win a £100 Amazon Voucher or a Ganesha Gear Diabetic Bag Of Life.

02/12/2025

Calling all music lovers! 🎵

This Friday, fundraisers Pearl Jam Scotland are hosting a Christmas gig ‘Grungefest-mas’ in aid of Diabetes UK 💙
The event will include a special set from the Lost Dogs and Gary Moyes Acoustic will open the night.

📅 Friday 5 December
🕙 8pm to 11.30pm
📍 Ivory Blacks, 56 Oswald Street, Glasgow
🔗 Tickets for the event can be bought here: https://orlo.uk/VcdEv

21/11/2025

Alex, Eilidh and Vedika, our 3 Young leaders, delivered an incredible lived experience talk to 150+ medical students in the University of Glasgow this week!

They covered topics such as:
🌟 Their diagnosis story
🌟 Everyday life
🌟 Experiences of stigma
🌟 Interactions with healthcare

And many more topics that are personal to them, through their lived experience with type 1.

The goal of these lived experience sessions are to highlight that diabetes looks different on everyone and the power that a good healthcare professional can have on a young person with type 1.

Well done to our young leaders! 💙🧡

20/11/2025

💙 Caitlin and Roisin had a ball throughout the October midterm at events with all you lovely young people, and young leaders. The highlights were:

🏎️ Go Karting in Falkirk and Aberdeen.

🎳 Bowling in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

🧗Bouldering + Wellbeing Sessions alongside NHS Staff.

🧡 The Together Type 1 team want to thank all of our volunteers who supported these events, and also the young people for attending and making them so much fun!

🔗 If you’re keen to sign up to our Together Type 1 community, please sign up via the Diabetes UK website: Together Type 1 - join the community today! | Diabetes UK