Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14364 on 9 February 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

In 2021, the Scottish Diabetes Group commissioned a short life working group to produce recommendations on mental health screening and pathways for people living with diabetes. They published their recommendations in February 2022 and the Scottish Diabetes Group continues to work with clinicians, NHS Boards and wider Mental Health policy teams to determine the best routes of implementation.

Mental health and wellbeing awareness for health professionals will also form part of the ‘Once for Scotland’ Diabetes Education Pathways, which are currently being developed by a short life working group formed through the Scottish Diabetes Education Advisory Group (SDEAG).

The information requested is not held centrally.

As part of the Scottish Diabetes Group, we have a Type 1 Sub-Group, focussing on improving care for people with Type 1 diabetes. The group has been focused on strategies for prevention of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and improving access to technology.

We are currently working with the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) on a project which would support the roll-out of diabetes technologies across Scotland. There is now robust evidence on the benefits of Closed Loop Systems on glycaemic control for individuals with Type One Diabetes, and this will be one of the first innovations to be considered for the ANIA pathway

The Scottish Diabetes Education Advisory Group (SDEAG) has established a short life working group which is currently developing a ‘Once for Scotland’ education pathway to ensure that everyone diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is able to access appropriate and timely education.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14415 on 9 February 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

As part of the Scottish Diabetes Group, we have multiple sub-groups focusing on projects related to unscheduled and emergency care. Many of the commitments within the Diabetes Improvement Plan will have secondary outcome measures aiming to reduce attendances at A&E and out of hours care. Measures are continuously being developed as we utilise data within the diabetes dashboard. The Scottish Diabetes Group continues to review these projects to ensure we are always targeting the most appropriate stages of the pathway.

Raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in Primary Care is a commitment within the Diabetes Improvement Plan. The Scottish Diabetes Group (SDG) has a sub-group focusing on Type 1 Diabetes and this group has representation from Primary Care clinicians. The sub-group will focus on development of a Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) prevention campaign across primary care, using the well-established ‘Think, Check, Act’ communications material.

Various other strands of the Diabetes Improvement Plan programmes will influence the delivery of this commitment, including the development of a ‘Once for Scotland’ education pathway, which will highlight diagnostic routes and risk factors that clinicians in primary care should be aware of.

This information is not held centrally.

As part of the implementation of the Diabetes Improvement Plan, we funded a Diabetes Improvement Lead post. The primary aim of this role was to support the sub-group chairs and key stakeholders to utilise data from the diabetes dashboard and implement quality improvement methodology across their programmes of work.

One example of this is the development of the quality index scoring system to enable teams to share learning and make best use of the SCI-Diabetes data. Other examples include mapping of current education processes across Scotland and ongoing tests of change to identify ‘Once for Scotland’ pathways for the delivery of diabetes education.

Most women with pre-existing diabetes, be it Type 1 or Type 2, can anticipate a successful pregnancy and birth of their baby. However, having diabetes does require careful planning before conception and extra appointments throughout pregnancy due to higher risks involved for both mother and baby. Some NHS Boards already offer counselling within Combined Diabetic Antenatal Clinics (CDANC), and we have established networks for diabetes specialist teams and health psychologists to share good practice in this area.

Data to determine rates of improvement is held on SCI Diabetes. Discussions are ongoing to determine whether this should become part of future annual Diabetes Surveys.