Diabetes UK Demand Treatment Improvements

A new report has raised major concerns that the quality of diabetes healthcare in England is leading to avoidable deaths, complications for patients and also leading to significant costs for the NHS.

According to the annual State of the Nation study by Diabetes UK,  a range of issues have been identified with care including the number of Type 1 diabetes patients receiving annual checks falling from 43 per cent to 41 per cent.

It also found that 80 per cent of NHS funding for diabetes is currently spent on providing care following complications rather than prevention, while treatment targets in relation to blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol are only being met for a third of patients.

In addition, it was identified that no region was meeting those three targets well.

Barbara Young, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, said that tackling issue was “not a question of spending more money”, adding: “In fact, better ongoing standards of care will save money and reduce pressure on NHS resources."

Expert Opinion

This research has raised some very serious concerns regarding care standards for diabetes patients across England. <br/> <br/>"Through our work on behalf of patients who have suffered as a result of issues in diabetes care, we have seen how a high standard of treatment is absolutely vital to prevent complications which can lead to consequences such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure, stroke or even death. <br/> <br/>"One issue which has arisen in a number of our cases relates to problems in foot care for diabetes patients. Foot assessments are vital following injuries to feet among those with a history of diabetes, but a lack of appropriate care can lead to problems including damage to large blood vessels which in turn leads to poor circulation, foot ulcers and then amputation. Such problems highlight how proper and regular monitoring of patients with diabetes is absolutely vital. <br/> <br/>"There is clearly much to be done to improve the quality of support available to those with diabetes, while it is similarly important that patients are given education and support on issues such as diet and the implications their lifestyle choices can have on long-term health." Lisa Jordan - Partner