Following new data which showed the rising number of people with diabetes in Wales, Chair of the Cross Party Group on Diabetes and Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert has asked the Health Minister what support the Government is providing for education for people with the condition.
The new data released by the Welsh Assembly Government in the Quality and Outcomes Framework Statistics showed that diabetes rates have been stable or increasing in every region across Wales from 2009 to 2010, increasing by 7,000 Wales-wide to 153,000 people.
Currently the Welsh NHS spends about £500m per year on diabetes, which is projected to increase year on year as it is also estimated that there are 50,000 people across Wales who have diabetes and are not yet aware of the condition.
Jeff Cuthbert recently asked the Minister:
‘Compared to other regions, we know that, unfortunately, the take-up rates for education courses and training for those living with, or affected by, diabetes, are particularly low. We do not know the exact figure, but it is about 2 per cent.’
‘Clearly, improvements in provision and access are needed, as self-management is an important element in reducing life-threatening complications and in controlling the spiralling cost of diabetes in Wales. Minister, will you tell me what support the Welsh Assembly Government is providing to LHBs to ensure that they can deliver the education?’
To which the Minister, Edwina Hart replied:
‘I met a world expert on diabetes and how to deal with it more effectively within the public health agenda. He indicated to me that he is willing to work with the Welsh Assembly Government to look at a far more structured approach of dealing with a person with diabetes, with others in the family who might not have diabetes, and with lifestyle issues, and at whether we can have more public health focus in that way.’
‘That work will commence in the New Year and I will then expect the LHBs to look at implementation.’
Dai Williams, the National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said:
“Diabetes is rapidly rising in Wales with nearly one in 20 people now diagnosed with the condition.
“Structured education courses are an essential way for people with diabetes to learn more about the condition and how to manage it successfully, including which foods to eat, how to manage their medication or insulin and how to keep active.
“These courses have been proven to lower people’s blood glucose levels, which reduces their risk of developing the devastating long-term complications of diabetes including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.
“Currently Wales has the lowest uptake of structured education courses for diabetes in the UK and Diabetes UK Cymru would welcome any work the Welsh Assembly Government is doing to promote these courses and encourage more people to complete them.”
