A temporary diabetes helpline has been launched in response to disruption to normal diabetes services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHS Diabetes Advice Helpline is intended to be available until mid-March 2021 (continued provision after this date will be reviewed based open service pressures and ongoing need for the helpline) and is for adults living with diabetes who use insulin to manage their condition and require clinical advice to help patients understand how to effectively manage their diabetes.

Patients registered with practices experiencing service pressures will be contacted to direct them to the helpline. GP colleagues are asked to make patients aware of this service and advise them to use it if they are unable to get in touch with their routine care team as quickly as usual.