IGNORANCE OF LIFE THREATENING CONDITION PUTS MORE DIABETICS AT RISK - GIDLEY

3.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

City and County MP Sandra Gidley has called for greater screening for diabetes after new figures revealed that there has been a steady rise in the number of emergency admissions for a life threatening condition which develops if diabetes remains undetected (diabetic ketoacidosis/DKA).

This revelation comes after a national service framework was set up to ensure that all PCTs offer screening to those most at risk from developing diabetes. Currently, only 57% of PCTs are offering such screening.

The official statistics from a parliamentary answer show that there has been a 56.1 % increase in emergency admissions in Hampshire PCT since 2004, with a 27.77% rise in Southampton PCT. The highest rise has been amongst those with undetected type 1 diabetes.

Commenting, Sandra, who is also Liberal Democrat Public Health Spokesperson, said:

"Diabetics are increasingly being put at risk - simply because they don't know enough about the condition.

"Too many people are unaware that they have diabetes in the first place. We need better education to warn diabetics of the life-threatening dangers of DKA, and also a greater awareness campaign so that people can spot the symptoms of diabetes early. The government simply isn't doing enough.

"Both PCTs must act immediately to ensure that they comply with the National Service Framework, and offer screening to those most at risk of developing this potentially fatal condition."

ENDS