Diabetes affects around 7% of people in Wales and the Quality
Statement for Diabetes sets out the key service priorities and
national expectations for the development of better diabetes
care.
It places an emphasis on good supportive care: helping people to
learn how to manage their condition well by taking part in
educational programmes, having routine support from healthcare
services, and improving access to diabetes technology that can
help people manage the condition.
Whilst Type 1 diabetes affects around 16,000 people in Wales and
cannot be prevented, more than 190,000 people have type 2
diabetes, which can be prevented or delayed. Estimates suggest
the prevalence of diabetes may rise to 10% of the population by
2035. When diabetes is not managed well, it can result in serious
damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet as well as cause
diabetic emergencies for some people.
People with diabetes require significant support from NHS
services to help manage the condition. It is important people get
the right support for them once they have condition and new cases
are prevented where possible. Part of the new approach is the
roll out of support to people who are at highest risk of diabetes
and the introduction of new remission services for newly
diagnosed people who may be able to reverse the development of
the condition. Additionally, £1m per year is being invested in
the pre-diabetes prevention programme as part of the wider £13m
investment under the Healthy Weight Healthy Wales Strategy.
Meeting patients who have been through the remission and
education programmes, The Minister for Health and Social
Services, Eluned Morgan said:
“Today’s quality statement sets out how the NHS will diagnose and
help people to manage their diabetes. It sets out the national
priorities for service development and has a specific focus on
prevention of type 2 diabetes and more broadly the prevention of
the serious complications that can come with diabetes.”
“Diabetes also has a significant impact on our NHS. We are
investing in programmes that support people to reach a healthy
weight – which is the best prevention against diabetes 2.
However, it is clear that we must do more to prevent cases of
type 2 diabetes, which make up about 90% of new cases.”
““We need to make big systemic changes to create environments
which encourage people to be more active. In a similar way, we
need to ensure that everyone in Wales is able to access
affordable heathy food. These changes reach beyond the NHS and
need everyone in our society to do their part including helping
to take the pressure off NHS services.”
Rachel Burr, Director Diabetes UK Cymru:
“Diabetes UK Cymru welcomes the new Quality Statement for
Diabetes Care launched today. As a charity, we’re hopeful it will
bring about tangible improvement in care for people living with
diabetes across Wales.
“Diabetes is relentless, it impacts every aspect of a person's
life, and the lives of those close to them. People with all types
of diabetes need access to routine screening and care,
psychological support, and the offer of new technologies to be
able to manage their diabetes in the best way possible.
“With delivery of care in Wales still recovering from the
pandemic, and further challenges now as we face a cost-of-living
crisis, we look forward to bold changes in governance and
delivery of care, so that everyone living with and affected by
diabetes has access to equitable and consistent support and
care."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Notes
- Images from a ministerial visit to meet patients who have
been through educational and support programmes.
- A UK-wide study from 2012 suggested the NHS uses around 10%
of its budget to treat diabetes and the serious complications it
can cause. The same study predicted this would rise to 17% by the
mid-2030s given the likely growth in the number of people with
diabetes.
- Progress will be measured through the national clinical
audits for diabetes.
- The Quality Statement for diabetes can be found here
- The Welsh Government approach to prevent and reduce obesity
rates is set out in our ten-year Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales
strategy.
