Diabetes patients denied vital prescriptions
Vital prescriptions for diabetes patients to manage their blood glucose are being refused by GPs, according to Diabetes UK.
The Diabetes UK survey and prescription debates
In a poll of 1,300 patients, researchers found that nearly half of those surveyed had been refused blood-testing strips, 39 per cent of which were type 1 patients.
The issue of NHS resource management is divisive and difficult: the Department of Health has requested that GPs not restrict access to these prescriptions, citing clinical importance. Doctors insist that NHS resources need to be used as efficiently as possible.
Type 1 diabetes patients need to take blood glucose readings in order to inject an appropriate amount of insulin in order to maintain good blood glucose control.
While dietary control is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes, structured testing improves HbA1c levels, blood glucose control, and diabetes understanding, reducing the chances of long-term diabetic complications.
The risks of poor blood glucose management
Poor blood glucose management can, in the long term, lead to a number of serious complications. These include blindness, stroke, and amputation.
Of course, the survey does not represent the entire diabetes population, but it does highlight some of the more problematic questions surrounding diabetes treatment.
Implications for the NHS
Barbara Young, …read more
Source:: News from Diabetes.co.uk