Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to support the diagnosis of patients with type 1 diabetes as soon as possible.
Minister of Health: The Department of Health recognises the importance of the early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, particularly in children and young people, in order to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and avoidable hospital admission.
Through delivery of the Diabetes Strategic Framework (DSF), the Department supports early diagnosis primarily via clear clinical pathways in primary care, where most suspected cases of type 1 diabetes are identified following presentation with classic symptoms, often described as the “4 Ts” (toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner). General practitioners are supported through established clinical guidance to undertake prompt blood glucose testing and urgent referral to specialist services where type 1 diabetes is suspected.
The DSF places a strong emphasis on education and capability within the frontline workforce, including primary care staff who regularly encounter people with diabetes. This includes targeted education initiatives and bursarysupported training programmes aimed at strengthening recognition of diabetes symptoms and appropriate escalation pathways, supporting earlier diagnosis and safer initial management.
In addition, the Department supports regional clinical leadership through the Northern Ireland Diabetes Network, which provides oversight of diabetes pathways, promotes consistency of practice across Health and Social Care Trusts, and supports the dissemination of learning and guidance relevant to early identification and diagnosis.
The Department will continue to work with the Public Health Agency, Health and Social Care Trusts and the Diabetes Network to reinforce awareness, maintain clear referral routes from primary care, and ensure that diagnostic pathways remain responsive, clinically led and focused on patient safety.
ENDS
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