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Serious Consequences for Diabetes Patients Who May be Unaware of the Symptoms

Half a million people in the UK could be living with diabetes without knowing they have the condition.
Health - 11 November 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr. Helen Hopkinson| Login to Download

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There are currently over 2.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK, of whom a quarter of a million have Type-1. Diabetes can potentially have serious consequences for the person living with the condition – whether male or female and at any age.

It is currently estimated that 10% of the NHS budget is spent on diabetes, which is around £9 billion per year. Longer term complications of diabetes make up around one in five of all CHD, foot and renal admissions and people with diabetes are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital and have a prolonged hospital stay which results in 80,000 bed days per year.

Many people are unaware of the differences between Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes and this can cause people to have misconceptions about the condition and the need for proactive management. It is equally important for friends and family to understand the diet and lifestyle requirements of those with Type-1 diabetes. This will prevent the development of incidents such as high or low blood sugar that can lead to extensive suffering – balancing insulin injections and blood sugar measure measurements with a busy lifestyle, eating patterns and modern living can be a real challenge.

. Introduction:

There are 2.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK, of whom a quarter of a million have Type-1 which needs to be managed with injections and blood sugar measurements. Diabetes can have serious consequences and people with the condition need to keep a close eye on their medication and blood glucose levels and balance this with diet and exercise, which can be a real challenge.

So how can people with diabetes become empowered and manage their condition in a way that suits them?

Joining us to discuss this further is Dr. Helen Hopkinson, a Type-1 Diabetes Specialist.

. Suggested Questions:

How many people with diabetes are there in our area?

What can be the consequences of diabetes?

What are the recent developments in the way Type-1 diabetes is managed?

Why is patient empowerment key to managing a condition such as diabetes?

What advice do you have for anyone who has diabetes who is worried about their current management?

Where can we find more information?