News

Around 1.3 million patients with diabetes miss out on life-saving tests. 21.02.2012

According to the NHS figures, around 1.3 million patients suffering from diabetes may be missing out on basic life-saving tests.

The alarming figures show that more than 90% patients may not be advised on and prescribed the full series of tests, which help reveal the early symptoms of diabetes and avoid further complications, such as kidney failure, heart problems, infections of the feet and hands which may lead to gangrene and result in the amputation of the infected limb(s).

The decision whether some patients have been referred for tests or not, often depends on a post code lottery.

More awareness of the serious implications of this situation is necessary within the NHS and patients' groups.

The basic health checks would not only help save many lives and improve the quality of life for most diabetic patients, but they could also help minimise the financial strain on the NHS in the long term by reducing the number of complications caused by late-diagnosed or untreated diabetes.

Basic screening and prevention should include regular blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol level checks.

Patients suffering from diabetes should also discuss with their GPs the need for the following:

• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
  
  
• Diabetic Nephropathy Checks
  
  
• Foot Examinations

For more information please go to:

• www.diabetes.co.uk
  
  
•  BBC Health News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17014480