The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing renewed calls to extend Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to include a common condition affecting up to 464,000 people in the UK. A petition on the official Parliamentary petitions website is urging the Labour government and the DWP to amend the eligibility criteria for PIP to explicitly include individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Petition Calls for Change
The petition, launched by Emily Jones, argues that type 1 diabetics often fail to qualify for PIP despite managing a dangerous condition around the clock. It states: "There is a general lack of understanding and education of Type 1 Diabetes which may affect PIP assessments." The petition highlights the relentless nature of the condition, requiring constant blood glucose monitoring, insulin adjustments, and careful planning around food, activity, and stress.
Impact on Employment and Wellbeing
According to the petition, managing type 1 diabetes while working full-time can lead to significant physical exhaustion and mental burnout. It argues that extending PIP eligibility would provide financial support for helpful technology not provided by the NHS and allow individuals to reduce working hours due to the demands of the condition.
Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes in the UK
An estimated 400,000 to 464,000 people are living with type 1 diabetes in the UK, accounting for approximately 8% of all diabetes diagnoses. Type 2 diabetes makes up the vast majority of the remaining cases. Diabetes UK notes that an estimated 6.9 million people are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes based on blood sugar levels, with almost 1.3 million currently undiagnosed.
Petition Thresholds and Deadline
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition remains open until December 2, 2026. Supporters are encouraged to sign before the deadline to push for policy change.
Diabetes UK emphasizes that risk factors for type 2 diabetes include age, family history, ethnicity, and obesity, as well as social determinants such as income, education, housing, and access to healthy food. Research shows that combined lifestyle interventions can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%.
