Can You Claim PIP for Diabetes?

Diabetes alone, well managed with medication, does not usually meet the PIP threshold. Where diabetes leads to complications, unstable blood sugar or related conditions, it can be a different story.

PIP looks at the practical impact of diabetes and its complications on your daily life.

When diabetes may be relevant to PIP

Diabetes-related difficulties that can be relevant include:

• frequent or severe hypoglycaemic episodes requiring help from others
• diabetic neuropathy affecting feet, hands or balance
• visual impairment caused by diabetic retinopathy
• kidney complications affecting energy and daily function
• the practical burden of managing insulin, testing and monitoring reliably
• fear of hypoglycaemia affecting your confidence to go out alone

Diabetes and daily living

• preparing food, especially where neuropathy affects grip or standing
• managing medication and insulin dosing safely and reliably
• monitoring blood glucose and recognising warning signs
• washing and dressing where neuropathy or vision is affected
• needing supervision because of a risk of severe hypoglycaemia

Diabetes and mobility

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, pain or poor balance in the feet and legs, which may reduce how far you can walk safely and reliably.

A risk of hypoglycaemia while out, especially if you need someone with you, can also be relevant to the "planning and following journeys" activity.

Evidence for a diabetes PIP claim

• GP and diabetes clinic records
• HbA1c and glucose monitoring history
• records of hypoglycaemic episodes, including hospital attendances
• neuropathy, retinopathy or kidney specialist letters
• evidence of insulin pump or monitoring equipment use

Frequently asked questions

Can I get PIP just for having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?

Usually not on its own. What matters is whether diabetes or its complications substantially affect your daily living or mobility.

Does fear of hypoglycaemia count?

It can be relevant if it genuinely restricts what you do, such as needing someone with you to travel safely, but this needs to be explained with real examples.

Could you qualify?

Complete our initial PIP eligibility check to see whether the effects of your diabetes may meet the criteria DWP uses.

Silverwings Benefits is an independent paid service and is not affiliated with DWP. PIP can be claimed directly from DWP without charge.