Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups are less likely to be told about diabetes education programmes, according to a new report.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) review said that only three out of 20 people from BME groups had been offered an education programme.
My Diabetes, My Care, found that only six clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) were offering education programmes in languages other than English.
The report said: “Several CCGs recognised they were not providing courses that were appropriate to their local communities – this was echoed by the people who lived there.”
People from South Asian and black communities are up to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people, according to Diabetes UK.
The document also highlighted that people with learning disabilities were rarely offered the chance to attend the diabetes courses.
Rates of obesity are often higher in people with learning disabilities, which could mean they are at higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
To compile the document, people aged between 18 and 65 with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes were asked their thoughts on community diabetes care, along with commissioners, providers and staff.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that people who are unable to attend structured education classes must be provided with an alternative.
But, the CQC said there were “no appropriate education programmes for people with a learning disability” in several areas.
Diabetes structured education helps people learn about their condition and provides a framework for them to control it through diet and lifestyle.
The report said some people felt they were not receiving enough emotional support, which, if provided at diagnosis and beyond can contribute to more effective self-management.
The review also highlighted that people who had attended structured education courses felt it improved their ability and confidence to manage their diabetes. But it was evident the courses were not able to meet everyone’s needs.
CQC’s chief executive David Behan said: “With nearly 3.5 million people living with diabetes in England, and predictions that this figure could rise to 4.6 million by 2030, there has never been a more important time for all parts of the health and social care system to address this condition.”
Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “The review also shows the necessity of individuals getting personalised care to ensure they get the best possible health outcomes.
“We want to see clinical commissioning groups do far more to enable commissioners and healthcare professionals to promote the importance of education for people with the condition and for them to develop more flexible education programmes to help put people with diabetes firmly at the centre of their care.
“Only then will we see a reduction in costly complications, an end to avoidable suffering and early deaths.”
