Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert has called for more education about diabetes after new figures revealed that levels of the disease in Wales are on the rise.
The new data released by the Welsh Assembly Government 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. This is expected to increase year-on-year with an estimated 50,000 people across Wales unaware they have diabetes.
Mr Cuthbert, who is chair of of the Welsh Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Diabetes, recently asked the Health Minister what support the Government is providing for education for people with the condition.
He said: “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%.
“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.”
Health Minister Edwina Hart has said the Welsh Assembly Government is to look at a more structured approach to diabetes education.
Dai Williams, the National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, welcomed the minister’s response.
He said: “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,
“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.”