The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled the most recent statistics, revealing that over 40,800 individuals across Great Britain with diabetes are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to assist with their daily living and mobility requirements. However, fresh data from Diabetes UK suggests that there are 4.6 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, a record high and an increase from the 4.4 million reported last year.

This figure includes roughly 8% with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone crucial for converting glucose into energy. Approximately 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes, which arises when the body does not effectively use insulin, while 2 per cent suffer from different and less common forms of the condition.

Diabetes UK estimates that an additional 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. The charity also believes that about 6.3 million people are living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes.

If left unchecked, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed through lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating and regular exercise. According to the latest figures from Diabetes UK, more than 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity stated, as reported by the Daily Record.

Colette Marshall, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, stressed the severity of the situation. Surrey Live reported that she said: "These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications."

With these complications in mind, Scots suffering from the condition are encouraged to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while those in other parts of the UK might consider Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for assistance.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), in January, 40,868 recipients with diabetes were awarded PIP. Those qualifying for PIP or ADP can receive financial aid varying from £29.20 to £187.45 a week, translating to between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks.

Which diabetic conditions may result in eligibility for PIP and ADP?

• Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (insulin-dependent)
• Diabetes mellitus Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent)
• Diabetes mellitus (category unknown)

Eligibility for both PIP and Scotland's ADP mainly requires individuals to have faced challenges with daily living or mobility for at least three months and anticipate that such challenges will persist for at least nine additional months.

To qualify, applicants must have lived in the UK for at least two years out of the last three and be present in the country when applying. Guidance on the Scottish ADP can be found on the official MYGOV.SCOT website.

Furthermore, if your condition necessitates help with certain tasks, you might consider applying for PIP or ADP. For those who are terminally ill, different rules apply, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The DWP or Social Security Scotland will evaluate how difficult daily living and mobility tasks are for you. They will scrutinise each task thoroughly. For each task they will look at:

• whether you can do it safely
• how long it takes you
• how often your condition affects this activity
• whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment

How are PIP and ADP disbursed?

PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks, but for those who are terminally ill, payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.

ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support, with payments made every four weeks.

PIP comprises two components - the 'daily living' and 'mobility' rates. Whether you receive one or both of these, and the amount, depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you.

Depending on your circumstances, you will receive the following amounts per week:

• Daily living: Standard rate (£73.90) | Enhanced rate (£110.40)
• Mobility: Standard rate (£29.20) | Enhanced rate (£77.05)

How are you assessed?

An independent healthcare professional will evaluate your needs to assist the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in determining the level of financial support you may require for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Options for health-related benefit consultations include face-to-face meetings, video calls, telephone discussions, and paper-based assessments.

It's important to remember that the type of assessment is determined by the healthcare professional and the DWP based on what is most suitable for each claimant. More details about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.

For Adult Disability Payment assessments, face-to-face evaluations are not necessary unless the claimant prefers this method - more information about these changes can be found here.

If you're wondering how to apply for PIP or ADP, you can start a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the necessary application information can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Before making the call, ensure you have:

• Your contact details
• Your date of birth
• Your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
• Your bank or building society account number and sort code
• Your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number
• Dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital

Applications for ADP can be made via phone, post or in person. To find out more or to apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.