13
NEWS
Plan for change
Breakthrough T1D is calling for
a series of targeted reforms to
improve safety and consistency in
care for older adults with type 1
diabetes. These include mandatory
training for all hospital staff on type
1 diabetes and the importance of
self-management, in order to reduce
unsafe care practices. The charity
also recommends that all inpatients
with T1D have guaranteed access
to diabetes specialists or trained
diabetes champions to help prevent
mismanagement during hospital
stays.
In addition, the role of family and
informal carers should be formalised
in inpatient settings to ensure
continuity and safety for individuals
who depend on their support.
National guidelines, including those
from NICE, should be updated to
reflect best practices in inpatient
care for people with T1D, particularly
in relation to self-management
protocols and the use of diabetes
technology.
To address gaps in social care,
Breakthrough T1D proposes a
coordinated national strategy for
managing T1D in domiciliary and
residential care settings, ensuring
consistent, person-centred care
across the country. This should
be supported by Care Quality
Commission (CQC) guidelines
requiring all care staff, whether
in care homes or community
settings, to be trained in T1D
management. Finally, the charity
highlights the importance of diabetes
specialists offering clear, up-todate
information about available
technologies such as insulin pumps
and continuous glucose monitors and
supporting their use as people age.
Breakthrough T1D's report sets
out the experiences of people living
with T1D and those who care for
them, along with recommendations
for reforms.
To see the full report, click HERE.
Karen Addington awarded MBE in King's
Birthday Honours for services to People
with Type 1 Diabetes.
Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D
UK has been awarded the Member of the
Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025
King's Birthday Honours List, in recognition of
her exceptional services to People with Type 1
Diabetes.
The award recognises her dedication and
impact over the past 20 years at Breakthrough
T1D, where, through her determined
leadership, she has propelled the organisation through remarkable
growth and change.
As both a respected thought leader among stakeholders and an
inspirational presence at community events, Karen has become a
trusted and central figure within the type1 diabetes community.
Because of her leadership, the charity has more than quadrupled
its investment in research and expanded its reach to support
thousands of people and families. She has championed real, practical
advances in treatment, helping to expand access to technologies like
continuous glucose monitoring and hybrid closed loop systems which
help deliver insulin automatically.
At the same time, Addington has kept the search for a cure firmly
at the heart of Breakthrough T1D's mission, ensuring Breakthrough
T1D continues to fund and drive the most promising global research.
Her ongoing commitment is creating meaningful change for
everyone affected by tTpe 1 diabetes. She has inspired strategic
impact and collaboration in the UK and internationally, among
researchers, policy makers and people living with T1D. In 2024 she
led the organisational rebranding from Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation to Breakthrough T1D, reflecting the determination to
prevent, treat and cure T1D.
Reacting to the announcement, Karen said: "I'm truly honoured
and a little overwhelmed to receive this recognition. But this award
really belongs to the incredible Type 1 diabetes community and the
dedicated team I'm lucky to work alongside. I've just played a small
part in something much bigger, supporting people living with T1D
and pushing for progress in care, understanding and research. I'm
grateful every day to be part of this important work."
Phil Aird-Mash, Breakthrough T1D Chair said: "This is a welldeserved
recognition of Karen's extraordinary passion and
commitment to the global type 1 diabetes community. Over the
years, she has driven remarkable progress in both treatments and
research, helping to transform the landscape of T1D care. Her work
has supported many thousands of people living with T1D and their
families and fuelled hope for a cure. Thank you, Karen, for everything
that you have accomplished in your time at Breakthrough T1D."
Addington will receive the award at a formal investiture ceremony
later this year.
www.breakthrought1d.org.uk