Urgent Alert: Changes to Diabetes Technology Funding in Scotland The Scottish Government has announced a significant change in how diabetes technology is funded. As of April 2026, the current model, whereby the money for insulin pumps and sensors is allocated to a central fund, will cease, with the funding instead being devolved to individual Health Board budgets. This will effectively remove its "ring-fenced" status, abandoning the commitment, made as recently as January 2025, to provide this life-changing technology to those with Type 1 Diabetes. Decentralising the funding for diabetes technologies will create a postcode lottery, and put at risk the recent progress in T1D care. What Are The Risks? Reduced Access - We anticipate a sharp decline in new pump starts. Increased Inequality - Patients in different Health Board areas will face vastly different levels of care. Long-term Health Costs - By limiting access to closed-loop technology, the NHS is effectively choosing to pay in the future for for the treatment of preventable long term complications (eye, heart, kidney, and limb issues) rather than investing in the technology that would prevent them. Scotland cannot afford to fall behind the rest of the UK. While NHS England is moving forward with a 5-year implementation plan for Diabetes technologies, Scotland is dismantling its own infrastructure. Our Demand. We are calling for formal legislation to ensure that “SIGN 170” is fully adhered to. Access to diabetes technology must be a right, not a discretionary budget item. We are contacting the Scottish Government and national charities to demand accountability. We urge you to use your voice! Contact your local representatives today to voice your opposition to this change in funding.
We made such progress in Diabetes Care but now funding is being changed. This will result in fewer patients receiving tech and create another postcode lottery.
#T1D #GBDoc #DiabetesTechCantWait
