McGrath expresses concern at shortage of diabetes medication
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has expressed concern around a potential shortage of diabetes medication.
It follows clinicians in England being advised not to prescribe GLP-1 for patients with Type 2 diabetes until next year due to shortages.
It is understood the same policy has been adopted in Northern Ireland and Colin McGrath has contacted Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May for clarification.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “With around 180,000 of our population now diagnosed with diabetes and pre-diabetes illnesses, it is clear that we have a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis in the North.
“In 2022 87,996 prescriptions for GLP-1 were issued, more than double from 2019 and we now have an increasing reliance on this medication.
“Reports that clinicians in England and the North have been advised not to start people on GLP-1 due to a worldwide shortage, will naturally cause concern among patients here, their families, and those who are awaiting a diagnosis of diabetes.
“I have contacted the Permanent Secretary for clarification on the current situation here.
“We need to establish if similar recommendations are in place and if so, what will be the impact on existing patients and how are we treating people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
“Given the current pressures on our health service, it is key that clinicians are openly communicating with patients currently receiving this medication about how their treatment will be managed going forward and if any changes are needed as a result of these shortages.
“At the heart of this issue is ensuring that patients are being kept informed and getting the best treatment available.
“I have also raised the situation with the British Medical Association and will be seeking a meeting with Diabetes UK.
“At the current rate we are prescribing these medicines and the number of people in the North living with diabetes, I believe that we must do more to educate people and develop a strategy around Type 2 diabetes.
“We must do this alongside supporting those already living with the condition to prevent a real health emergency unfolding in the coming years.”
