Diabetes Scotland

08/05/2026

The Wee Wander is a 10km walk through Glasgow, on 9 May, finishing with an intimate acoustic gig at Rufus T. Firefly, where special guest, Gary Moyes, will perform. The route takes in the city’s iconic Mural Trail, striking architecture, and a few favourite lunch spots along the way.

Pearl Jam Scotland have been bringing rock fans together while raising funds to help people living with diabetes. And they’re back with another event built around music, movement, and
connection.

A huge thank you to Martin and Colin of Pearl Jam Scotland for eight years of dedication, and for bringing people together while raising over £100,000 along the way. These funds are life-changing and will help create a world where diabetes does no harm.

➡️ To join the walk or gig, email Martin Higgins at martyhiggy@sky.com

07/05/2026

📢 Do you work in a Primary or Secondary School?

We’d love for you to join us and Together Type 1 members for our upcoming webinars! The young people will be taking the lead, talking about their own experiences of navigating type 1 diabetes in school.

🧑‍🏫 Primary School Webinar - Thursday 28 May, 4.30 to 5.30pm
🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-young-people-with-type-1-diabetes-in-schools-primary-education-tickets-1984381671999?aff=oddtdtcreator

🧑‍🏫 Secondary School Webinar - Thursday 4 June, 4.30 to 5.30pm
🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-young-people-with-type-1-diabetes-in-schools-secondary-tickets-1984384651912?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions about the webinar, email: Roisin.ODonovan@diabetes.org.uk

10/04/2026

The Scottish Government has announced that centralised funding for HCL (hybrid closed loop systems) will end with effect from 2026/27. We understand the frustration and concern that this may be causing for you and many in our community.

We’re seeking clarity around how local funding arrangements will be implemented to ensure access to this vital technology remains a priority.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of the type 1 diabetes community in Scotland to ensure that everyone who wishes to use HCL can do so now and in the years ahead.

➡️ Learn more: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/changes-funding-hybrid-closed-loop-technology-scotland-what-we-know-so-far

And if you need advice, guidance or emotional support, we’re here.

You can contact us 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday on 0141 212 8710. Alternatively, you can email us at helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk.

The Scottish Government has informed Diabetes Scotland and other stakeholders that centralised funding for hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems will end with effect from 2026/27. Access to this life-changing tech will instead be funded locally, through individual Health Boards.

19/03/2026

Would you like to know more about prevention, remission and current treatment options for type 2 diabetes in Scotland?

Join our FREE webinar to hear real lived experiences and get your questions answered by our expert panel.

📅 Wednesday 1 April
⏰ 6 to 7.30pm

Secure your spot: https://orlo.uk/8qZjN

17/03/2026

Meet Tony, who’s taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk in April 🙌

He’ll be joined by Bally, Gregor and Dougie as they walk in memory of their much-loved friend and family member, Neil.

Tony said: "Neil was diagnosed with kidney failure caused by diabetes in 2024 after returning from a family holiday. He spent his final months at home surrounded by his family, which is exactly what he wanted. Even as his health declined, he never lost his sense of humour.

"His last outing was mine and Rachel’s engagement party in November – he said he ‘wouldn’t miss it’, which meant so much to us. After that his health declined quickly, but he passed away peacefully in January with his three children by his side."

Tony also shared how much the experience changed his understanding of diabetes: "Before this, I honestly didn’t realise how serious diabetes could be or the impact it can have on someone’s life. Learning about it and seeing what Neil went through really opened my eyes."

Now, Tony and the team are taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk on 26 April to raise money in Neil’s memory and support people affected by diabetes.

"We couldn’t think of a better charity to raise money for after seeing the impact diabetes had on Neil and our family. I’m really grateful to Bally, Gregor and Dougie for joining me, and to everyone who has supported us so far."

Good luck, team – we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way 💙

If you'd like to join any of the Kiltwalks this year, take a look: https://orlo.uk/Kiltwalk-2026_pZdhR

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 ✨