Diabetes charity sends essential supplies to Ukraine

People with diabetes in Ukraine have received a ‘life-saving’ parcel from a Northampton diabetes charity.

The InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) has sent an assortment of vital supplies to Ukraine amid growing concerns that crucial diabetes items are running out.

So far, the charity has donated insulin, Jelly Babies, and unused blood testing strips and blood glucose meters to Ukraine.

A citizen of Ukraine, who has received supplies and whose identity has been protected through fear of reprisals, told the IDDT: “Yesterday we received a priceless parcel for us. You cannot even imagine the joy of the doctors who have sorted these elements.

“The entire Ukrainian people are very grateful to you for the contribution you have made, for the humanity and condolences that you have surrounded us. Already today we have distributed insulin as needed and have begun sending it to different regions.”

The current focus of the charity is on providing the Ukraine with more “priceless” donations and supplies. The IDDT is encouraging the diabetes community to help by donating any spare or unused diabetes-related items.

If people with type 1 diabetes run out of insulin, they will have just days to live. If they run out of food, they can slip into a coma and will require hospital care within days.

Co-Chair of the IDDT, Jenny Hirst, said: “We have received lots of support from our members, and we are thrilled to have received confirmation that our donations are already saving the lives of people with diabetes in Ukraine.

“Our attention is now focused on collecting further life-saving supplies, such as insulin and unused blood testing strips.”

She continued: “We are determined to carry on helping the people of Ukraine for as long as the conflict is underway.”

Chief Executive of the charity, Martin Hirst, added: “The deepening crisis in Ukraine means that there is an increasingly desperate need to help people trying to live with diabetes.

“It is hard to believe that not only are the people of Ukraine having to fight for their country and freedom, but they also are in desperate need of all their diabetes supplies. As the bombing continues, pharmacies close, hospitals run out of supplies and supply routes targeted.”

Supplies needed include:

• Insulin syringes
• Insulin in pens, vials or cartridges
• Blood glucose meters and test strips
• Lancets and lancet devices
• Glucagon
• Hypoglycaemia treatments – such as packets of Jelly Babies

Donated items must be new, unused, and in-date and should be delivered to the IDDT at: IDDT, 210 Abington Avenue, Northampton, NN1 4PR.

The IDDT is based in Northampton and deliver essential independent support nationally for people with diabetes, their parents, and their carers.

The charity was created in 1994 to fight for choice of treatment for all. It offers a free and confidential helpline, hosts events, has published numerous useful publications, and lobbies the government on its members behalf.

To contact the charity, please telephone on 01604 622837 or email enquiries@iddtinternational.org.