Diabetes care in Britain isn't up to scratch

Added 16/06/2010

First aid kit

Around two million people suffer from diabetes in the UK and the number of cases has risen by 25% over the last 6 years. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, which is related to obesity.

The National Diabetes Audit has revealed that many diabetics in Britain haven’t been maintaining the right blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Out of all the people that have sought diabetes care, only a third were offered a urine test to rule out diabetes-related kidney diseases. The number of diabetics needing dialysis or a kidney transplant has doubled over the last six years due to poor diabetes care.

Only half of those with type 2 diabetes received all the recommended diabetes care processes, while only a third with type 1 diabetes got proper treatment. Type 1 diabetes typically affects children and young adults, and results have revealed that young people were least likely to receive appropriate diabetes care.

Poor blood sugar control in diabetics can lead to serious health problems, including blindness, kidney failure and even amputation. Blood sugar levels in diabetics must be monitored regularly in order to prevent serious health issues.

Diabetes UK, the charity for people suffering from diabetes, was appalled by the findings of the National Diabetes Audit.

Getting the right diabetes care is essential to help prevent further, more serious health complications. If you suffer from diabetes, consult your doctor if you are worried that you are not receiving the right standard of care.

The National Diabetes Audit is considered to be one of the largest annual clinical audits in the world. Results gathered from the audit are designed to help improve diabetes care and highlight treatment shortfalls. The National Diabetes Audit works in partnership with Diabetes UK, NHS Diabetes and a number of other healthcare organisations.

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