Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1184. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he intends to appoint a liaison officer to oversee implementation of diabetes policy within the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35967/23]
View answerDiabetes is a complex condition that can have a profound impact on the quality of life of people living with the condition. If not well managed, it can lead to debilitating complications. Management of the condition is required across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.
Budget 2023 provides funding for a number of initiatives aimed at improving diabetes care, including commencing the development of a National Diabetes Registry.
Guidelines for Diabetes prevention and management include the Model of Integrated Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, the Model of Care for the Diabetic Foot (2021) and the National Clinical Guideline for the Management of Adult Type 1 Diabetes. Guidelines are reviewed and amended in line with the most up to date evidence to support best clinical practice and standardisation of care for diabetes patients.
Furthermore, the National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Ireland 2020-2025, sets out a national framework for an integrated approach to the prevention and management of chronic disease in Ireland over the coming years. This framework was developed in relation to four major chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes. The framework builds on the existing policies and guidelines, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, disease management and rehabilitation services that are coordinated across different healthcare providers and healthcare settings.
With respect to oversight of implementation of diabetes policy, there is a relevant unit in the Department of Health that deals with Diabetes policy matters.
