Recent data from a national charity reveals that nearly 4.4 million people in Britain are currently living with diabetes. Additionally, an estimated 1.2 million individuals may have Type 2 diabetes without being aware of it, highlighting the growing public health challenge posed by this condition.
Rising Diabetes Cases and Financial Support Options for Affected Individuals in the UK
According to Diabetes UK registration figures for 2022–23, they have hiked by 167,822 from 2021–22.
In the same way, a new medical study suggests that more than a billion people globally are expected to be living with diabetes in the upcoming years. Academics stated that diabetes cases are poised to ‘grow aggressively’ in every country and among every age group.
The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, indicates that by 2050, almost 1.3 billion individuals would have diabetes, more than double the 529 million cases reported in 2021. Separate predictions suggest that by 2050, the world's population will be around 9.7 billion, implying that approximately 13.4% of the world's population would be diabetic.
However, an important number of people in Great Britain with diabetes may not be aware that if they need extra support for daily living or mobility needs as a direct consequence of their health condition, they could qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability payment (ADP).
The Department for Work and Pensions' most recent figures show that there were more than 40,200 individuals across the UK with diabetes receiving PIP at the end of January, including 2,179 residing in Scotland.
It’s important to be aware that new claims for PIP have been substituted by ADP in Scotland but provide the same levels of financial assistance for both the daily living and mobility components.
A successful application for PIP or ADP is worth £28.70 to £184.30 per week. The amount is paid every four weeks and ranges from £114.80 to £737.20 per payment period.
Demographic Profile of PIP Claimants with Diabetes
According to the DWP's statistics, there are 40,234 people claiming PIP for diabetes.
This includes:
- Scotland: 2,179 (does not include those on ADP)
- England and Wales: 38,021
- Living Abroad: 26
- Unknown: 5
- Total: 40,234
Diabetes Conditions Supported Through PIP and ADP
- Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (insulin-dependent).
- Diabetes mellitus Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent).
- Diabetes mellitus (category unknown).
How to Claim PIP?
You can submit a new claim by contacting the DWP; all of the necessary information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Before you call, you will need:
- Your contact details.
- Your date of birth.
- Your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits.
- Your bank or building society account number and sort code.
- Your doctor or health provider’s name, address, and telephone number.
- Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
How to Apply for ADP
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by mail, or in person. For more information and to apply, please visit mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222.