Diabetes UK warns that 797,067 people with diabetes in the UK could a future of devastating health problems such as blindness, heart disease, amputation and kidney failure .
Data from GP practices of 2,366,363 diabetics aged over 17 highlighted that 34 per cent are not achieving their recommended blood glucose levels.
For diabetics, attaining individually agreed blood glucose levels (HbA1c)² within the range of 6.5 to 7.5% is the bedrock of good diabetes management and lowers the risk of serious long term complications.
Diabetics spend just a few hours on an annual basis with health professionals.
Hence, it is crucial for those with diabetes to be able to acess to structured education , high quality care and better psychological support to enable them to achieve good blood glucose levels.
Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive at leading health charity Diabetes UK, said: "It is absolutely appalling that 1 in 3 people with diabetes are struggling to achieve their blood glucose targets. Diabetes complications are estimated to cost the NHS around £1 million an hour and can have a devastating effect on people’s quality of life. It is vital that all of the 2.6 million people with diabetes are armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively.
It is vital that those with diabetes make decisions regarding their diabetes management on a daily basis and wish to maintain a healthy, independent and active life.
The support they need to achieve this ought to be widely available.
800,000 People with Diabetes Facing Serious Health Problems
Mon, 16 Nov 2009
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