Diabetes UK Demands Better Diabetes Education And Support

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 12 Nov 2009 - 1:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Diabetes UK is demanding more education and better psychological support for people with diabetes in a new report. The report is being released today at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, in the run up to World Diabetes Day, which is Saturday 14 November.

Improving supported self-management

Diabetes UK is launching 'Improving supported self-management for people with diabetes', a report that looks at what people with diabetes need to make sure they are equipped with to manage their diabetes.

Only limited time each year with healthcare team

People with diabetes spend only a few hours a year with healthcare professionals - so it is imperative that they have access to quality information, structured education, personalised care planning and healthcare professional support to reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness.

Arming with knowledge and confidence

"There are 2.6 million people with diabetes in the UK and it is vital that they are all armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively," said Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK.

"People with diabetes make decisions about their diabetes management every day.

Necessary support should be widely available

"People with diabetes want to maintain an independent, healthy and active life and if they need support to achieve this, it should be widely available. Self management does not mean that people are left to do everything on their own, but that health- and social care professionals, peers and family members help to provide the support they need. This will not only ensure that people with diabetes face a healthier future but will also help cut the £1 million an hour that the NHS spends on diabetes complications."

Diabetes UK's parliamentary event to mark World Diabetes Day is hosted by Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow.

Source
Diabetes UK

• Additional
• References
• Citations