UK diabetes diagnosis must be improved

According to new research, NHS (National Health Service) facilities are failing to accurately diagnose people who have type 2 diabetes . The result of this is that many people remain undiagnosed, and because of this face considerably higher risks of complications.
The problem is not countrywide apparently, with PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) diagnosing 72 per cent of people with diabetes on average. However, there is widespread regional disparity, with local health services expected to have diagnosed only 50 per cent or less of their local population.
The findings raise concern about the UK diabetes healthcare industry. Douglas Smallwood of Diabetes UK reportedly said: “It is simply unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of people are going about their daily lives unaware they have a condition that puts them at greater risk of heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. 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 diabetes and help reduce the risk of such devastating complications.”