A restored Executive can help deliver a diabetes strategy, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said.Mr Dickson, who is Chair of the Assembly All-Party Group on Diabetes, was speaking as he helped launch a World Diabetes Day event in Parliament Buildings. The event also heard from speakers on issues such as how to improve diabetes care here. The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is family, which Mr Dickson said was fitting.
“Current estimates suggest there are over 100.000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and the number continues to rise. Therefore everyone knows someone who suffers from the condition and the impact is felt wider than just the person with diabetes.
“We need to ensure those suffering from diabetes have access to locally-based treatment and whatever support they need. An Executive diabetes strategy could raise awareness and help reduce the number of serious cases in Northern Ireland.
“World Diabetes Day is not only a chance to showcase the support available to those living with the condition but it should be a wake-up call for the parties blocking agreement and a return to power-sharing here.”