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Diabetes very harmful to the public purse

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The increase in cases of diabetes, thought to be as a result of rising levels of obesity, is a worrying trend for the NHS. There has been nearly a 60 per cent rise in the number of cases in the last ten years, to over three million, with the cost of treating patients threatening to overcome the NHS budget.

Diabetes already costs the NHS nearly £10 billion every year and, if the increase in cases continues, it is estimated that five million people will have the disease by 2025.

Diabetes UK has warned that only six out of ten people receive the eight care processes which are recommended by NICE. The care processes include regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, foot surveillance and smoking cessation advice. Without access to these checks, patients are at risk of suffering from further complications of the disease.  

Diabetes can be a devastating illness if not diagnosed promptly and managed correctly. It can lead to stroke, blindness and amputations, the affects of which can be lifelong.

At Stephensons, we have acted for clients whose diabetes has not been diagnosed or treated correctly, including a case we recently settled for Mr John Bennett who sadly had to undergo an amputation due to diabetes. 

By Gemma Crompton, clinical negligence trainee solicitor

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