World Diabetes Day 2026: Taking early action through nursing innovation

The 2026 World Diabetes Day theme, “Early Action on Diabetes”, calls for earlier diagnosis, timely support and action to reduce the risk of complications. Nurses play a vital role in this work, helping people recognise symptoms, manage their condition and access the care and information they need to live well with diabetes.

Through our funding programmes, we have supported projects that demonstrate how nursing innovation can improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and strengthen care in a variety of settings.

Supporting people at the start of their insulin journey

A project led by King’s College London and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is developing a digital assistant to support people with type 2 diabetes starting insulin treatment.

This can be a significant step for many people and comes with questions, concerns and a need for ongoing support. By exploring how digital technology can provide timely information and guidance, the project aims to help people build confidence in managing their condition and improve their experience of care.

The work highlights how digital innovation can complement nursing expertise, giving people access to support when and where they need it.

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Improving diabetes care for older people in care homes

Older people living in care homes often have complex health needs, yet they can be underrepresented in research and quality improvement. A project led by Queen’s University Belfast is addressing this challenge by co-producing a digital intervention designed to improve diabetes nursing practice in care home settings.

Working with healthcare professionals and stakeholders, the project is developing practical approaches to support high-quality diabetes care, helping nurses deliver safer, more personalised and more effective support for residents living with diabetes.

By focusing on people who can experience significant health inequalities, the project demonstrates the importance of ensuring innovation benefits everyone.

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Strengthening prevention through oral health

Prevention remains one of the most effective ways to tackle the growing impact of type 2 diabetes. A project led by C3 Collaborating for Health has explored the relationship between oral health and type 2 diabetes and has equipped nurses with knowledge and resources to support prevention and early intervention.

The initiative brought together experts from across disciplines to raise awareness of the links between oral health and diabetes risk, develop educational resources and encourage wider conversations about prevention. Through webinars and shared learning, the project has helped strengthen understanding of how nurses can support people to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Investing in better outcomes

Together, these projects demonstrate the breadth of nursing’s contribution to diabetes care, from prevention and education to self-management support.

This World Diabetes Day, we celebrate the nurses, researchers and organisations working to ensure that people affected by diabetes receive the support they need at every stage of their journey. By investing in nursing innovation, we can help drive earlier action, reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for people living with, and at risk of, diabetes.