New blueprint for diabetes care

[Posted: Thu 13/11/2008 by Niall Hunter, Editor www.irishhealth.com]

Major savings can be made in healthcare costs by preventing the complications of diabetes, according to a new report.

The report of the Diabetes Expert Advisory Group states that preventing the complications of diabetes such as eye disease, kidney disease and heart disease can be achieved through patient education and empowerment, excellent primary care services linked to hospital care and special provisions for early detection and treatment of complications that do develop.

The report recommends a regional model of care for children and adolescents with diabetes.

However, the report does not outline what funding is being provided to develop this new system of care for diabetes.

HSE CEO Prof Brendan Drumm said the report represents a blueprint for the development of services for patients with diabetes over the coming years. He said many of its recommendations are already being acted on.

The report places a strong emphasis on prevention, service integration and community-based management supported by specialist services.

Prof Drumm said there are many examples of services around the country that incorporate the features of the  expert group report.

He said the blueprint will act as a reference point for implementation of services locally, involving better use of existing resources.

A second report outlining a framework for a national screening programme for diabetic eye disease has also been launched by the HSE.

The HSE says a new eye screening programme for the west is commencing in 2009.

Almost one in 20 people in Ireland are affected by Type 2 diabetes, which affects mainly adults.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly, largely due to the increasing obesity levels in the population.

One in 600 children is likely to develop the other type of diabetes, type 1, which has seen an increase in prevalence most notably in the under five age group.

The advisory group was set up by the HSE to advise it on the organisation and development of diabetes services.

Tomorrow, November 14, is World Diabetes Day. For more information, see...
http://www.hse.ie