August 19, 2026 - 182 views
New national resources have been launched to help people across Wales diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes understand their condition and take steps to live well from day one.
Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK Cymru have launched two new Point of Diagnosis (POD) packs – one for patients and one for healthcare professionals – alongside a redesigned NHS Wales digital diabetes resource hub.
The organisations say the resources are the first nationally consistent materials in Wales specifically designed to support people at the point they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The launch comes as the number of people living with diabetes in Wales continues to rise.
Latest figures show 230,371 people in Wales are now living with diabetes, an increase of 7,685 in a year. A further 328,000 people are estimated to be living with prediabetes or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
That means around one in five adults in Wales is now affected by diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition which, if poorly managed, can increase the risk of serious complications including sight loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation and cardiovascular disease.
However, with the right support and information, many complications can be prevented and, for some people, remission is possible.
Research carried out through Public Health Wales' Tackling Diabetes Together Programme found that the point of diagnosis can be particularly important in determining how people manage their condition in the longer term.
Many people reported feeling uncertain, overwhelmed or ashamed after being diagnosed, with 67% saying they had experienced feelings of shame or guilt.
The new resources have therefore been designed to provide clear and practical information while avoiding language that could contribute to stigma.
The patient pack, called Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes, includes information on food and lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, the checks and care people can expect, and trusted sources of further support.
The healthcare professional toolkit provides practical support for clinicians delivering a diagnosis, including communication templates, checklists and guidance on the importance of language.
More than 80 people living with Type 2 diabetes and 32 healthcare professionals from across Wales helped co-design the packs.
Public Health Wales says this was intended to ensure the resources reflect what patients and professionals actually need.
David Taylor, Transformation Director at the Tackling Diabetes Together Programme at Public Health Wales, said the support people received when diagnosed had previously varied depending on where they lived and who they saw.
He said the new packs were designed around feedback from patients and clinicians and would help people gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.
For Tina, who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for around 28 years, the message to anyone newly diagnosed is to start taking action immediately.
She said: “Don’t panic. You can live the life of a normal person because I think that’s what a lot of people are afraid of.
“They think they’ve got to turn into this other person. They can’t do this, can’t do that. You can do everything. You can eat everything in moderation and obviously watch your sugar intake.”
She urged people not to put off making changes until later in life, saying the sooner they start, the more they could benefit their health.
Diabetes UK Cymru has endorsed the packs as the national resource for newly diagnosed patients in Wales.
Rachel Burr, Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said a diagnosis could leave people feeling worried, isolated or unsure where to turn.
She said the new packs would provide consistent information and connect people with trusted support, helping people take positive steps towards living well with diabetes.
The redesigned NHS Wales digital diabetes resource hub has also been developed following feedback from patients and healthcare professionals.
It features clearer language, improved navigation and a more accessible mobile experience, bringing information for people with diabetes, families, carers and healthcare professionals together in one place.
Maria Cole, National Dietetic Clinical Lead for Diabetes and Prevention, said every diagnosis conversation was an opportunity to help someone understand their condition and take positive action.
The new resources are now being embedded across NHS Wales and are available in both English and Welsh.
The organisations behind the initiative say the packs and digital hub form an important part of efforts to improve diabetes outcomes in Wales, reduce variation in care and prevent serious complications including amputations.
People looking for the patient resource can search online for “Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes Wales”, while the digital resource hub can be found by searching “Diabetes resources Wales.”
