€4M Investment Needed to Address Critical Gaps in Diabetes Care
Diabetes Ireland is calling on the Government to allocate €4 million in Budget 2026 to initiate the long-awaited implementation of a National Diabetes Strategy — a commitment included for the first time in the current Programme for Government.
This funding request comes ahead of the expected publication of the Department of Health’s Diabetes Policy and Services Review. The report is anticipated to provide a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving diabetes care nationwide over the next five years, addressing longstanding service gaps and aiming to deliver better outcomes for people living with diabetes.
“For the first time ever, diabetes has a place in our Programme for Government. This is a major step forward but it must be backed by action and funding, as there are many gaps to be addressed to improve diabetes care provision in Ireland” said Dr Kate Gajewska, Research & Advocacy Manager, Diabetes Ireland.
A core component of the submission is the urgent need to improve mental health and psychological support services for people living with diabetes. Diabetes Ireland is seeking €1.8 million to establish six Regional Diabetes Psychology Teams across the HSE. These teams will train diabetes multidisciplinary healthcare staff to recognise and respond to the emotional burden of diabetes, while also providing referral pathways for one-to-one psychological support. An additional €315,000 is needed to roll out group-based mental health and wellbeing support programmes, specifically tailored for adults living with diabetes Type 2 diabetes, Newly Diagnosed Adults with Type 1 diabetes and parents of children and teens with Type 1 diabetes — an initiative developed by Diabetes Ireland that can operate in tandem with regional services, without adding pressure to frontline healthcare teams.
To ensure consistent and equitable diabetes care across the country, Diabetes Ireland is also calling for the appointment of Regional Diabetes Leads within each of the six HSE Regional Health Authority regions. These positions would be responsible for co-ordinating local diabetes service delivery, supporting staff in each HSE region to effectively plan, develop and resource local diabetes care services across Ireland. The estimated cost of this measure ranges from €444,000 to €869,000 depending on staffing grades, but its impact could be transformative in ensuring access to standardised diabetes care for everyone nationwide.
Equally pressing is the issue of access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology for people with Type 1 diabetes. Although a national reimbursement scheme was introduced following a 2023 HIQA recommendation, approximately 500 to 700 people are currently being denied access based on an unjustified technicality related to their diagnosis. Diabetes Ireland is asking for €1 million in 2026 to ensure all individuals clinically diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, including those with delayed or complex diagnoses, are granted equal access to CGM, in line with both medical evidence and best practice.
“This is a turning point. With political will and modest investment, we can transform diabetes care in Ireland and give people the tools they need to live healthy lives,” added Dr Gajewska.
Read the full submission here
Date: [07.08.2025]