NHS failure to diagnose diabetes

According to leading diabetes charity Diabetes UK, the National Health Service is failing to diagnose those with type 2 diabetes, despite a recent report to the contrary.
Because of the failure amongst some Primary Care Trusts, hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations – all complications of diabetes.
The chief executive of Diabetes UK, Douglas Smallwood, reportedly commented: “Whilst some PCTs have done an excellent job in diagnosing Type 2 diabetes, it is extremely worrying that hundreds of thousands of people in other areas are going about their daily lives unaware they have a condition that puts them at greater risk of devastating complications. Type 2 diabetes can go undetected for up to 12 years. By the time they are diagnosed, around half of people with Type 2 diabetes already have evidence of complications. Early diagnosis is essential so people can start managing their condition and help reduce their risk of developing these complications.”