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Was it ever thus? Or is it that the power of social media has just made it more apparent? The culture of silence that is.

Or should I say contrived silence? It's very difficult to pinpoint but whichever topic you choose, the culture of silence pervades through the NHS.

Many reasons abound for it... whether it be the fate of whistleblowers, whether it be downright bullying, whether it be political expediency or even the blame culture we all live in. No blame, no shame?

The cruel harsh world of social media offers no such clause, it's stark, it's brutal, it's in your face and sometimes, not too far from a lynch mob - and not just the NHS but pervades through all sectors of life now.

Sometimes overt, sometimes with a wink and a nudge... either way, the personal finger pointing promotes further silence.

We seem to have created an atmosphere where silence is the easier way out, the one path without many thorns. Now I know the healthcare philosophers will have some glib quote to suggest how patient care and vocation should trump all... but let me put this to you... if being honest and breaking silence puts you in hot water, either via someone baying for your head or resulting in an end of career... none of those philosophers will actually stand by you, will they? To read more, click here. 

Artificial pancreas systems provide better glucose control than conventional pump therapy, according to a new study.

A team of researchers from the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) in Canada wanted to see what is the best technology for managing type 1 diabetes. To read more, click here. 

Teams who have “improved services and outcomes” for people with diabetes have just one week to enter the Quality in Care Diabetes (QiC) awards. To read more, click here. 

Healthcare professionals and members of the public are being asked to take part in a major survey looking at type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the Diabetes UK project is to find out what the biggest questions and concerns are about the condition. To read more, click here. 

A network for healthcare professionals involved in commissioning to share information about diabetes care has been launched.

Diabetes UK’s Commissioning Network is a free online resource and will provide updates on good practice, news and resources for commissioning and improvement in the field of diabetes. To read more, click here. 

The claiming process providing financial help for children with type 1 diabetes has been changed to “account for the needs of families” dealing with the condition. 

Diabetes UK said changes to the medical guidance for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has been altered and now “clearly acknowledges the challenges and extra care required to manage the condition". To read more, click here. 

Users of a specific brand of insulin pump are being warned about a maintenance message which might affect the safety of the treatment.

A small number of people who use the Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump system have reported a maintenance message which reads: “Pump not able to complete task”. To read more, click here. 

A “non-invasive” device which allows people with diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels without pricking their skin has been developed. The portable creation uses microwaves and can be discreetly stuck to the skin. To read more, click here.