World Diabetes Day 2025 - a time to reflect and refocus

This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, ‘empowering lives through access and awareness,’ feels especially relevant. Supporting young people with diabetes isn’t just about medical care - it’s about giving them the confidence, knowledge and tools to manage diabetes at every stage of life. Across West Yorkshire and beyond, diabetes teams are using this moment to celebrate how far we’ve come and focus on the changes that will make the biggest difference.

Why this audit matters

Moving from paediatric to adult diabetes care can be challenging. It often comes at the same time as exams, new jobs or moving away from home. The audit brings together data from both children’s and adult services so we can see how well we’re supporting young people at this stage - and where we need to improve.

What the numbers show

In 2023-24, more than 37,000 young people across England took part in the audit, including around 1,600 in West Yorkshire. Around 79% attended regular clinic appointments – close to the national average. Teams are testing new ways to make care more flexible, like evening clinics and peer support.

Blood glucose levels (HbA1c) have improved over time - the national average has dropped from 72mmol/mol in 2017-18 to 65mmol/mol in 2023-24. That’s encouraging progress, but the audit also reminds us that not everyone has the same experience. Young people from more deprived areas and some ethnic groups still face extra challenges.

In West Yorkshire, the average is 67mmol/mol, with 25% achieving the recommended target of 58mmol/mol or below. We’re making progress but there’s still work to do to close the gap and tackle these inequalities.

Fewer hospital admissions, but more to do

Hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious but preventable complication, have fallen slightly. In West Yorkshire, 5.6% of young people had a DKA admission last year compared to 6.9% nationally. Mental health, emotional wellbeing and easy access to care all play a big part in preventing these episodes.

Spotlight: Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Across Yorkshire and Humber, teams are working closely with young people to make transitions smoother and care more connected. One great example comes from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT). Their Transition Service, part of the Seamless Diabetes Transition Programme, has introduced flexible clinic times, preclinic meetings, clear information leaflets and QR code feedback. They’ve also embraced digital tools like DigiBete to help young people stay informed and involved.

The service was proud to be a finalist for the Innovation Champion Award at the BTHFT Brilliant Awards 2025 - recognition of the team’s hard work and commitment to young people.

Looking ahead

The audit gives us valuable insight into what young people need to thrive. Over the next year, our focus in West Yorkshire will be on reducing inequalities, strengthening transition pathways and improving emotional and mental health support.

It’s also encouraging to see national progress. For example, in November 2025, the DVLA updated its rules to allow drivers with diabetes to use continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) for bus and lorry licences - recognising the role of modern technology in safe, confident self-management.

How you can help raise awareness

Everyone can play a part in spotting the signs of type 1 diabetes early.

Every improvement - big or small - makes a real difference. By listening to young people and working together, we can help them live healthy, independent lives and look forward to bright futures.

Thank you for reading.

Emma