NEWS Unacceptable inequality in diabetes care


There is "unacceptable inequality" in diabetes care between Scotland's health boards areas, according to Diabetes Scotland. In addition they call for a "Scotland-wide revolution" in the provision of person-centred diabetes care.


The charity has published its annual report charting the variations in care for people living with the condition across the country. About 276,000 people in Scotland have been diagnosed with diabetes, with a further 45,500 estimated to be unaware they have type 2 diabetes, the charity said.


Its report looked at how health boards are performing in delivering nine essential checks for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, such as recording blood pressure, cholesterol and weight as well as testing kidney function.


NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) was found to be below the Scottish average in the majority of the categories while NHS Orkney came out as the best performing three times.


Jane-Claire Judson, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, says, "It is indefensible that people living with diabetes are subjected to such disparities of care across Scotland.


"Whether you live in Orkney or Forth Valley should have no bearing on the level of care a person receives but what we are seeing are signifi cant differences in the percentage of people receiving each of the nine essential care processes dependent on the health board area in which they live."


She added, "We must focus on improving diabetes care for all, reducing avoidable complications, and supporting people to live well with the condition which should include offering a range of appropriate education opportunities.


Jane-Clare Judson, National Director, Diabetes Scotland


"If action is not taken now, the longer-term costs will be severe to people living with the condition, NHS Scotland and wider society."


The report also revealed people with type 1 diabetes receive poorer care than those with type 2.


Its authors looked at other factors and said there were poorer health outcomes for people living in areas of deprivation.


The data in the charity's State of the Nation report was sourced from fi gures contained in the Scottish Diabetes Survey 2014.


The charity recognised that front- line healthcare professionals are "dedicated" to delivering the best care for their patients but called for a "Scotland-wide revolution" in the provision of person-centred diabetes care.


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