Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank Darren Millar for bringing forward this motion for debate today? The number of people in Wales who are now living with diabetes, particularly type 2, is something we all need to be concerned about. The rise in diabetes is a worldwide issue. We only have to look at rates in the US, for example, where over 34 million people now have the condition and where, in some states, prevalence has reached 17 per cent, to see where we are heading unless we take action now. If we're to slow the upward trajectory of diabetes, then our focus must be on prevention.

The motion and amendments tabled today do little to recognise the good work that is happening across Wales right now. The amendments do not reflect the work already under way through 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales' and our social prescribing model to support preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Our 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales' strategy is a key cross-Government approach to reducing obesity on a population scale. We're investing over £13 million over 2022-24 to support a whole-system approach to tackle it together. This includes action in the early years and for children and families to make healthier choices, enabling settings and environments to be healthier to support these changes. We've also launched two consultations recently to explore how to improve the food and drink environment in Wales, including promoting healthier shopping baskets and restricting the sale of energy drinks to children.

I officially launched the all-Wales diabetes prevention programme recently. It is based on two pilots in the Afan valley and north Ceredigion primary care clusters, and will offer targeted support and intervention to people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes. Trained healthcare support workers will provide help to individuals to understand their level of risk and support them to reduce it through key changes to their diet and level of physical activity. This is a really exciting project that we all hope will slow the number of people who go on to develop type 2 diabetes. 

For those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the past six years, the all-Wales diabetes implementation group is working on introducing a remission service across all seven health board areas. Diabetes is largely a condition of self-management and something that people have to learn to live with. We must therefore do all we can to help support people through continued investment in educational programmes, as well as ensuring that the most up-to-date technology is made available to patients where there is clear evidence that this will help them to control and manage their condition.

I agree that the right level of psychological support should be provided to those living with diabetes and, like others, I recently attended a Diabetes Cymru UK event to discuss this. I spoke about the needs-based approach we have set out in the diabetes delivery plan for Wales. We expect people to be supported by their families, friends and by other people with diabetes, but also want people to have the support of fantastic and empathetic care from their clinical teams. It is our expectation that every member of the clinical team, whether in primary care or specialist diabetes services, is able to provide some psychological support as well as resources and structured programmes to help people. I am passionate about the role of psychology. I agree that the appropriate level of support should be accessible to people living with diabetes, but also to those living with a range of other chronic and life-threatening conditions.

There are already referral structures and pathways in place to ensure that those who need extra support can access it when and where they need it. We have included as a key priority in the 'Together for Mental Health' delivery plan the need to improve access to psychological therapies overall, and increased funding in this area. Officials are working with stakeholders on the development of a quality statement for diabetes. This will be published in the autumn. I understand that stakeholders are content with this timetable.

I have made my commitment to early intervention and prevention across my portfolio clear, and although there is a lot more to do, I'm encouraged by the progress and innovation I am seeing to improve the prevention and management of diabetes. I am determined to see that continue, and I hope Members will recognise today that we are serious and committed to supporting the physical and mental health of those living with diabetes in Wales. Diolch.