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Doctors discuss Healthcare Concerns about Weight Gain for Patients With Diabetes

Over 2 million people have type 2 diabetes but despite healthcare professionals being concerned about patients gaining weight, a third do not discuss this with local patients with diabetes
Health - 22 April 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr Jason Halford and Dr Sarah Jarvis| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

2.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; around 425,000 people may also have the condition but are currently undiagnosed. Most will eventually require insulin treatment.

New research reveals that 95% of health care professionals (HCPs) believe potential weight gain is a concern for patients on insulin. 85% of patients with type 2 diabetes trust their HCPs to discuss treatment options that could lead to less weight gain but a third of HCPs fail to always discuss this issue with their patients.

The research found that type 2 diabetes patients are similarly concerned about putting on weight as a result of insulin treatment (39%) as they are at having to inject every day (42%) and further deterioration of their health (43%).

. Introduction:

Over 90 per cent of newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes are above their ideal weight. The impact of further weight gain on these patients not only impacts on their self esteem but also causes additional health concerns. Losing weight could help them better manage their condition yet insulin treatment can increase this risk. Patients trust their health care professionals to discuss the best treatment options with them, but new research has revealed that a third of HCPs do not always do this.

What should people with type 2 diabetes do?

Joining us in the studio is Dr Jason Halford, research consultant from the University of Liverpool and GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis.

. Suggested Questions:

How does potential weight gain affect people with type 2 diabetes in our area and their health care practitioners?

How likely is it that people with type 2 diabetes will require insulin therapy?

Why is potential weight gain such a concern for people with type 2 diabetes?

What should people with type 2 diabetes do to reduce the risks of potential weight gain?

Where can we find out more information?