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NHS diabetes care 'inadequate'Date: 18/07/2007 09:07:35
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The NHS is failing to provide adequate support for diabetes patients, a government watchdog has warned.
In a Healthcare Commission (HC) report, just 11 per cent of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England and Wales were described as having a 'good' rating of support.
Furthermore, nearly 90 per cent of the 111 PCTs taking part in the survey were deemed to have a 'fair' or 'weak' system in place for diabetes care.
High on the regulator's list of concerns was the fact that many PCTs did not give enough support to patients for managing their own condition in their own homes.
The HC stated that PCTs should offer weight management and exercise plans to diabetes sufferers and extend their programme of education into the condition.
In the report, Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker said: "By managing their condition, people with diabetes can prevent serious health complications such as blindness, kidney failure and even extend their life expectancy.
"These services that are helping people to manage their own condition, are positively affecting the health and quality of life of people with diabetes."
In response to the report, Dr Sue Roberts, the government's national clinical director for diabetes, agreed that providing support to diabetes patients so they can help manage their condition themselves was vital.
"Having the tools and support to care for themselves is the single most important way in which people with diabetes can delay the onset of symptoms and reduce their risk of complications later in life," she said.
"Engaged, empowered patients are key to quality diabetes services, and I am confident that the NHS can rise to this challenge."
According to figures from Diabetes UK, around 2.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with the condition.
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