Diabetes Patients 'Struggling' With Condition

Over 40% of people living with diabetes in Scotland struggle to manage their condition.

That is according to a major charity, who are calling for better access to education and support for patients.

Diabetes Scotland say 42% of people with type 2 diabetes- and over 75% of those with type 1 - exceed recommended blood glucose levels, when tested.

As part of Diabetes UK's 'Taking Control campaign, which launches this week ahead of World Diabetes Day on Saturday 14th November, Diabetes Scotland is calling for improved access and provision of diabetes education.

They are seeking to better support people living with the condition to maintain good control and reduce the risk of complications including blindness, lower limb amputation, stroke and reduced life expectancy.  
 

Jane-Claire Judson, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, said:  

''Managing diabetes is complicated and people must be supported to understand the condition and live well.  Education can be the silver bullet.  

"By attending a diabetes education course people feel empowered to take control, manage their condition with confidence and reduce their risk of developing avoidable complications, such as kidney disease, stroke and amputation.
 
''We want to encourage everyone in Scotland who is living with diabetes to ask their healthcare professional to be enrolled in a diabetes education course. Similarly, we are reaching out to NHS Scotland and healthcare professionals to ensure that everyone who is diagnosed with diabetes is offered education as part of the 15 Healthcare Essentials which everyone with diabetes should receive routinely and free of charge.''
 
Almost £1 billion is spent annually by NHS Scotland on diabetes with 80% of this cost on treating avoidable complications.  

Diabetes Scotland warns that unless there is a commitment to providing diabetes education universally, spending on diabetes-related complications that happen as a result of poorly managed diabetes will continue to put great financial pressure on NHS Scotland.