World Diabetes Day 2024 to focus on wellbeing

Around 6% of Manx population thought to be living with the condition

Today (14 November) is World Diabetes Day - and this year the focus is all on wellbeing.

It's thought around six percent of the Manx population are living with the condition.

Diabetes Isle of Man is hosting a full day of events at The Roundhouse in Braddan.

You can see a full schedule of events below:

Natasha Parry is from the charity:

Diabetes care on the Isle of Man

On World Diabetes Day last year Manx Care told Manx Radio it was hoping to be able to invest in a number of schemes to help those living with diabetes.

One of the key hopes was to be able to introduce an on-Island diabetic retinal eye screening programme.

Those with diabetes could be at risk of developing the condition which can cause sight loss if it's not treated.

Regular eye appointments are said to minimise the risk of long-term damage.

In November 2023 the health body said since retinopathy screening has come to be regarded as an essential component of diabetes care, it recognised this service as statutory under its mandate.

It added a business case to develop the service had been approved by the Department of Health and Social Care and a request for targeted funding submitted to Treasury.

Subject to that funding being approved it said it expected the service to become operational in 2024.

The healthcare provider also said investing in new technology for those living with the condition, especially hybrid closed loop technology, was subject to funding.

Finally Manx Care said it was developing a ‘living well with chronic illness’ service which will be open to all patients who have a chronic disease including diabetes. 

Manx Radio has asked Manx Care for an update on the progression of these schemes and is awaiting a response.