Election 2016 is right around the corner and we have had political candidates treading the pavements to our doors.

I answered the door to my very first canvasser last week and I got so lucky-it was the election candidate himself.

Unfortunately I was not prepared. But I was not about to miss this opportunity.

After he introduced himself, I introduced myself; telling him that I was the face behind the emails about the newly published model of care for children with type 1 diabetes. See more about the HSE's Paediatric Model of Care here. And that if elected I would be following up with him on what he can do to ensure these recommendations are implemented.

I also told him that when the Model of Care document was published for Adults in June 2016 with diabetes I would doing the same.

We had a good conversation - more than he bargained I think? I hope you guys do better than I did?

If you are not sure what questions you want to ask your election candidates; Diabetes Ireland published some suggestions for you in their most recent members' magazine with some more information. I have edited them a little.

Questions for your Election 2016 hopeful.

Model of Care for Paediatric Diabetes;

1. What will you do to make sure the HSE's Paediatric Model of Care recommendations are implemented in my area?
2. What will you do to ensure that my child's local diabetes team if fully resourced with all the healthcare professional they require to help my child thrive with type 1 diabetes?
3. This one is very important; What can I do to help you do all of this?

Model of Care for Adult Diabetes;

1. The HSE's Model of Care for Adults with Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes is due for publication in June 2016; what will you do to make sure this happens?
2. What will you do to make sure the HSE's Model of Care for me, an adult living with diabetes, recommendations are implemented in my area?
3. What will you do to ensure that my local diabetes team if fully resourced with all the healthcare professional they require to help my child thrive with type 1 diabetes?
4. This one is very important; What can I do to help you do all of this?