Diabetics ‘facing food insecurity’ during lockdown
NEARLY a third of people with diabetes in Wales have experienced “food insecurity” since the Covid-19 lockdown came into force, it is claimed.
New research from Diabetes UK has found that thousands of diabetes patients across the UK are under-eating, skipping meals or are unable to follow a balanced diet.
On August 16 shielding was paused in Wales, which means that if a vulnerable person can’t get a supermarket delivery, they will be forced to go out.
The charity is now campaigning for people across Wales to get access to the food they need.
Terri Harris, a retired teacher from Pontypool, said the coronavirus pandemic left her feeling her life had been turned completely upside down.
She said: “As someone over 70 with Type 1 diabetes, I knew I would have to shield along with my husband.
“It was difficult coming to terms with the fact we would no longer be able to do the things we had previously taken for granted, like going to the shops”.
Terri said she used priority delivery slots, but found the system difficult to use and couldn’t get a delivery slot from many supermarkets because she hadn’t received a shielding letter.
She added: “I tried to get in touch with my GP but was unable to speak to anybody. I was left to struggle.
“Eventually I got a slot with my usual supermarket, but I found that I had to use the same slot every week or it would show as unavailable.
“When I did manage to get a delivery, I found that there were many substitutions with foods that were completely unsuitable for me as a diabetic.
“Fresh fruit and vegetables were particularly hard to find. I was unable to order anything from other supermarkets I hadn’t used before the coronavirus.”
Terri added: “Sadly, I know I am not alone. I’ve spoken to many other people with diabetes who have also had awful problems accessing the food they need.
“Too many people have had to rely on family or friends, which is not a sustainable way of accessing foods.”
Terri said she still has concerns about going to supermarkets and shops because of the lack of social distancing, lack of in-store support and the fact that many people don’t wear masks or face coverings.
She said: “Life isn’t going back to normal for us, and like so many others, now we need the Government to fight our corner too.
“Those in power must learn the lessons of this crisis to make sure people get the food they need before we go into winter and a possible second wave.
“Not everyone can get to the shops and supermarket deliveries are still very difficult to come by.”
Diabetes UK Cymu is calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that people who are at higher risk if they catch coronavirus have access to the food they need.
The Welsh Government states: “As part of the support arrangements food boxes will end, but priority supermarket slots will continue to be available and medicine deliveries will be available via the National Volunteer Prescription Delivery Scheme until the end of September.
“A letter from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales has been sent recently providing the latest information and advice.”