Analysis by Diabetes UK has shown the numbers of people living with diabetes in the United Kingdom has topped five million for the first time.
The patient advocacy charity is calling on the UK Government to ensure that national and local health care systems put diabetes at the heart of their plans.
Diabetes UK want to ensure people at risk of type 2 diabetes are identified, that health inequalities are tackled, and that communities where diabetes prevalence is high are targeted with screening and support.
The charity is keen to stress the importance of good analysis. In a statement they warn that without the right care and support, people with all types of diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications and they give the example that every week diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks, and 2,300 cases of heart failure.
The issues of obesity, social deprivation, incomes, education, housing and many others are highlighted as requiring Government action.
Advocacy Action: The importance of data to make an evidenced case within decision making bodies cannot be over stressed. Is there data readily available in your country? Does it match the Diabetes UK findings? Would you advocate for the same improvements, or are there different priorities?
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/number-people-living-diabetes-uk-tops-5-million-first-time