Numbers of diabetes diagnoses on the increase locally

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is on the increase in Newbury and across the whole of the Berkshire.

Statistics compiled by Diabetes UK show that figures for the condition have increased in every clinical commissioning group in Berkshire, reaching an all-time high.

Within the Newbury and District CCG sufferers from the condition have risen from 3,981 in 2013 to 4,200 the following year – an increase of 219 cases.

Dr Tim Walter from Falkland Surgery, who has been taking a lead on the approach to diabetes, said of the problem: “Numbers of people with type 2 diabetes are increasing nationally, not just in Newbury.

“In fact, Berkshire West as a whole has a low prevalence of diabetes compared with other areas.

“The rise in cases of type 2 diabetes is largely driven by our expanding waistlines – being overweight and physically inactive are the two biggest contributors to the rise.

“Prevention of type 2 diabetes is a national priority and at the top of his agenda for the NHS.

“GPs are much more conscious of diabetes than they were years ago and are therefore more likely to carry out a glucose test on a patient – so diabetes detection is a lot better these days.

“Better detection of diabetes means doctors are able to intervene earlier, thus helping patients to avoid complications and live a longer, healthier life.”

Diabetes UK South East regional manager Jill Steaton said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate and these latest figures are a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS.

“There is a gaping hole when it comes to diabetes education because we know that most people newly diagnosed with diabetes are not offered a group education course.

“This is despite strong evidence that giving people the knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes effectively can reduce their long-term of complications.

“We must get better at offering education to people who are living with diabetes and help them to manage this serious, complex and often overwhelming condition.

“It is crucial that education is made available both at the point of diagnosis and beyond as the education needs of people already living with the condition can change over time.

“Along with providing better and more flexible education options, local health systems need to focus on increasing the proportion of people getting the 15 healthcare essentials that everyone with diabetes should be receiving.

“Until we achieve these steps, we will continue to deny people living with diabetes of the best possible chance of living long and healthy lives.”