Failure to managed diabetes leads to blindness, heart disease, amputation and kidney failure (From The Northern Echo)

Failure to managed diabetes leads to blindness, heart disease, amputation and kidney failure

8:59am Saturday 14th November 2009

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MORE than 40,000 diabetics in the region risk severe health problems because they are failing to manage their condition, experts say.

Diabetes UK says that one in three diabetics in the North face blindness, heart disease, amputation and kidney failure.

Data from GP practices show 31 per cent of 105,228 adults with diabetes in the North-East are not at their recommended blood glucose level.

In North Yorkshire and York, doctors say 33 per cent of the 28,913 sufferers are not managing their condition correctly.

Experts say that achieving individually agreed blood glucose levels is the foundation of good diabetes management and reduces the risk of serious long-term complications.

Linda Wood, from Diabetes UK in the North and Yorkshire, said: “It is absolutely appalling that one in three people with diabetes are struggling to achieve their blood glucose targets.

“Diabetes complications are estimated to cost the NHS around £1m an hour and can have a devastating effect on people’s quality of life.

“It is vital that all people with diabetes are armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively.”

The charity is calling for better support for people with diabetes to help them manage their condition.

Mrs Wood said: “The Government states that all people with long-term conditions will have a care plan by the end of next year.

“Progress on delivering this is very patchy for people with diabetes. Unless the poor progress to date is addressed, the Government’s target will not be delivered.”

The data was revealed today to coincide with World Diabetes Day.

Events to raise awareness of the importance of managing diabetes are being held throughout the region.

In North Yorkshire, GP surgeries in Hambleton and Richmondshire are running an education programme to help patients take control of their condition.

Dr Peter Brambleby, director of public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “The warning signs to be aware of are increased thirst and passing urine more often, for instance getting up at night.

“It is easy to screen for with a urine test and simple blood tests, so don’t hesitate to get such symptoms checked out by your GP.”

For advice, go to diabetes.org.uk

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