Diabetes Week in the UK: How Village Pharmacy Supports You

Each year in June, the UK marks Diabetes Week — a vital time to raise awareness, celebrate progress, and focus on improving life for the millions of people affected by diabetes. Organised by Diabetes UK, this awareness week shines a spotlight on both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, aiming to encourage early diagnosis, support better self-management, and reduce stigma.

But Diabetes Week isn’t just about information — it’s about action. And one of your most accessible and trusted sources of support during this week — and all year round — is your local community pharmacy.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

What Diabetes Week is all about
Why it matters more than ever in the UK
The key role your pharmacy plays in diabetes care and prevention
How you can use Diabetes Week to take control of your health

What Is Diabetes Week?

Diabetes Week is a national awareness campaign run by Diabetes UK every June. The week aims to:

Raise awareness of the different types of diabetes
Encourage early detection and diagnosis
Share real-life stories from those living with diabetes
Educate the public on prevention, especially for Type 2
Promote access to support and care

In 2025, Diabetes Week runs from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June. The theme this year is “See Diabetes Differently”, encouraging people to look beyond the condition and focus on individual stories, challenges, and successes.

Diabetes in the UK: Why It Matters

Diabetes is one of the UK’s most prevalent health conditions:

Over 5 million people in the UK live with diabetes
Around 90% have Type 2 diabetes, and 8% have Type 1
An estimated 850,000 people are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes is a leading cause of sight loss, kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease

Despite its seriousness, many cases of Type 2 diabetes are preventable with lifestyle changes and early intervention — and that’s where community support becomes crucial.

The Role of Pharmacies in Diabetes Care

Your local pharmacy is one of the most accessible points in the NHS system. You don’t need an appointment to get professional health advice, and Village Pharmacy are open evenings and weekends.

Here’s how pharmacies support people with — or at risk of — diabetes:

1. Type 2 Diabetes Screening and Risk Assessment

Village Pharmacy across the UK offer Type 2 diabetes risk assessments using NHS tools. These checks are quick, free, and can help identify people who are at high risk but show no symptoms.

These may include:

BMI and weight measurement
Blood pressure check
Lifestyle questions (diet, exercise, family history)
Finger-prick blood glucose tests (in some pharmacies)

If results suggest you’re at risk, the pharmacist can refer you to your GP or the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

2. Support with Blood Glucose Monitoring

If you’re living with diabetes, regular blood glucose monitoring is key to managing your condition. Pharmacies can:

Provide advice on how to use blood glucose meters correctly
Recommend the best testing kits and supplies
Assist with interpreting your readings
Offer guidance on adjusting your lifestyle based on your results

Many people find that speaking with a pharmacist feels more informal and less rushed than at a GP appointment — which helps when you have questions or concerns.

3. Help with Medicines Management

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can support you with:

Understanding how and when to take your medication
Managing side effects
Reviewing how your medicines interact with others you’re taking
Helping with insulin use and storage advice

If you’ve recently been prescribed a new medication for diabetes, ask your pharmacy about the New Medicine Service (NMS) — a free scheme that includes follow-up support to help you get the most out of your treatment.

4. Support for Long-Term Condition Reviews

If you take regular medication for diabetes, you may be eligible for a Structured Medication Review (SMR) through your GP — and your pharmacy team can help prepare for it by:

Reviewing your current medicines
Discussing concerns about adherence or side effects
Suggesting alternative formulations (e.g., easier-to-swallow tablets, once-daily doses)

This collaborative approach ensures your treatment is not only effective but tailored to your lifestyle.

5. Lifestyle and Nutrition Advice

Pharmacists can give practical advice on the everyday choices that affect your blood sugar levels, including:

How to eat a balanced, low-GI diet
Tips for portion control and snacking
Encouragement to stay physically active
Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation

Some pharmacies offer weight loss and healthy eating programmes, or referrals to NHS lifestyle services.

6. Foot and Eye Health Guidance

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot ulcers, nerve damage, and sight loss. Your pharmacist can:

Offer foot care products and advice
Remind you about annual diabetic eye screening
Refer you to your GP or diabetic nurse if signs of complications arise

Taking preventative steps early can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Diabetes Support for Families and Carers

Diabetes doesn’t just affect individuals — it can impact the whole household. Pharmacies can also:

Help parents manage children’s Type 1 diabetes medication and supplies
Support carers in understanding the signs of hypo- or hyperglycaemia
Advise on sick day rules and travel planning with diabetes

If you’re supporting someone with diabetes, your local pharmacist can be a friendly and approachable guide.

How to Get Involved in Diabetes Week

Whether you have diabetes yourself or simply want to raise awareness, there are plenty of ways to get involved:

Visit your local pharmacy for a diabetes risk assessment
Share your diabetes story to challenge stereotypes
Wear blue during the week to show support
Fundraise for Diabetes UK through a walk, run, or bake sale
Encourage friends and family to learn their risk score using the Know Your Risk tool