14.05.12
Diabetes ‘crisis’ requires national plan – Diabetes UK
Diabetes care in England is in a ‘state of crisis,’ according to the charity Diabetes UK, which has published its State of the Nation 2012 report on the condition.
The report warns that fewer than half of people with diabetes are receiving basic minimum support and in some areas just 6% of those with diabetes are getting regular checks and services as recommended by NICE.
The rise in rates of diabetes-related complications such as blindness, amputation, stroke and kidney failure account for around 80% of NHS spending on the condition, DiabetesUKsuggests.
The report recommends more awareness around diabetes, with programmes of risk assessment and early diagnosis and more education for sufferers to manage their condition more effectively. Investment into diabetes should be targeted “more wisely” to achieve this.
Barbara Young, chief executive of DiabetesUK, said: “We already know that diabetes is costing the NHS a colossal amount of money, but this report shows how, in exchange for this investment, we are getting second-rate healthcare that is putting people with diabetes at increased risk of tragic complications and early death.
“The report shows that diabetes healthcare has drifted into a state of crisis. It is a compelling case for change.
“Above all, the wide variation in standards of care shows the need for a national plan to be put in place for giving people with diabetes the kind of healthcare that can help prevent complications, as well as a greater focus on preventing type 2 diabetes.
“This kind of approach is the only way to prevent what is a looming national health disaster.”
Care services minister Paul Burstow said: “Our focus is on prevention and education, with more done to get earlier diagnoses and to help people manage their conditions themselves.
“This report and our new strategy will help local NHS services act so that diabetics get the care they need and deserve.”
To view the report, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/State-of-the-Nation-2012.pdf
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