Scottish government must focus diabetes resources on prevention and mental health support

14 Nov 2017

On World Diabetes Day the Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to focus resources on prevention of diabetes and mental health support for those suffering from the illness.

There are currently over 276,000 people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, 500,000 at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and 45,500 living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes in Scotland.

Recent research has shown that diabetes takes up about 10% of the total NHS budget and about 80% of that goes on avoidable complications. This means just over £1billion is spent on diabetes per year in Scotland.

Scottish Shadow Health Secretary Miles Briggs said;

“This is fast-becoming one of Scotland’s major public health crises.

“Diabetes affects people of all ages, and from all backgrounds, and we need to see more action from the Scottish Government in order to prevent more people from being diagnosed with diabetes.

“There are clearly areas that must be improved in terms of greater access to medical technology, further co-ordination of staff and care and the delivery of more person centred care.

“However, the Scottish Government must also ensure that patients are receiving proper mental health support in order to cope with a serious life-altering condition.

“The increasing diabetes drugs bill and growing obesity levels again call in to question the SNP government’s decision, breaking its own manifesto pledges, to scrap health checks for all men and women when they reach the age of 40.

“This is something we would review as part of a focus on preventative health measures.”