To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans his Department has to improve the way in which Diabetes is (i) self-managed; and (ii) prevented.

It is estimated that 80% of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by promoting healthy eating, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Tackling obesity amongst the population (of which approximately 60% are either overweight or obese) remains an important part of our approach to reducing the numbers of new cases of Type 2 diabetes in the future.

In June 2014, my Department published a Public Health Strategic Framework – ‘Making Life Better’ (MLB). This provides the overall framework for public health for the next 10 years and will bring together actions across government to improve public health by addressing the determinants of ill-health and health inequalities. Underpinning MLB, the Framework for Preventing and Addressing Overweight and Obesity in Northern Ireland 2012-2022: A Fitter Future for All (2012) aims to address the issue of overweight and obesity through a co-ordinated, integrated and cross-sectoral approach. A recent three year review of the Framework has indicated that over 75% of the actions identified are on course for completion by the set target dates.

On 8 March 2016, I launched for public consultation a draft Diabetes Strategic Framework. The overall aim of the Strategic Framework is to realise a vision of care which improves outcomes for people living with diabetes, or at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Empowering people to self manage through structured diabetes education and primary and secondary prevention are key themes of the Strategic Framework. The Diabetes Strategic Framework includes an implementation plan with actions to support each of the Framework’s key themes.

At the same time, I also announced an investment package of £1.7milion to support diabetes services, £1million of which is part of the recently announced £30 million health and social care Transformation Fund, set up to support projects and initiatives which are focused on innovation, prevention and collaboration.

A copy of the Diabetes Strategic Framework consultation document can be accessed at https://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/consultations. The consultation period will end on 31 May 2016.