Diabetes prescription cost

The cost of diabetes prescriptions has almost doubled in the last six years. Diabetes drug prescriptions, insulin and blood glucose monitors climbed by 73 per cent between 2002 and 2008. The cost of drugs skyrocketed by 93 per cent over the same period, to a total of £148.2 million.
Speaking for diabetes charity Diabetes UK, Bridget Turner reportedly said: “Undoubtedly, the huge rise in the number of people with Type 2 diabetes is a major factor in the increase in diabetes prescribing. Type 2 diabetes is a life-long and progressive condition. People may start managing their condition with diet and physical activity, but many will eventually have to go on to tablets. People with Type 2 diabetes often have to take a large variety of tablets to maintain blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of serious diabetes complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb reportedly said: “People suffering from diabetes need these drugs, but such dramatic increases in prescriptions raise serious concerns about the health of the nation. The Government has completely failed to get people fit and healthy and is now spending an enormous amount treating conditions caused by obesity . The NHS ultimately faces bankruptcy if ministers fail to tackle the obesity timebomb.”