Diabetic news update: 20,00 British kids could face blindness or amputation in later life
>> Tuesday, July 19, 2011
In England and Wales, 85% of children and young people with diabetes could end up with complications such as amputation and blindness in later life unless urgent steps are taken. That's the assessment of charity Diabetes UK, who have called for ambitious new child-centric research focused on improving diabetes care and management.
Data published by the NHS Information Centre, gathered as part of the National Diabetes Paediatric Audit, shows that 85.5% of people under 25 with diabetes have blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. This means their risk of developing grave long-term complications such as amputation, blindness, heart disease and stroke is higher.
The data also shows that those in the 12-24 age bracket account for the majority of people with dangerous blood glucose levels, and that just 4% of this age group (12,204 people) received the recommended 8 basic annual health checks, which include examinations of feet and eyes.
A statement from Diabetes UK stressed the importance of "urgent action" in order to improve the standard of diabetes management and care for children and young people, with teenagers in particular described as being "lost in the system". The charity has called on healthcare professionals and researchers to submit research proposals that address the need for promoting patient engagement as well as projects that promote good glucose control. It said that action needs to be taken to prevent a generation facing "a future of devastating health complications".
Whilst diabetes is never an easy condition to manage, it is particularly challenging for teenagers, agreed Dr Tabitha Randell, Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Nottingham Children's Hospital. She put this down to hormones as well as the need for independence and the desire to fit in with their social group. She said strategies need to be developed to get young people engaged and ensure their families are providing the necessary support.
Data published by the NHS Information Centre, gathered as part of the National Diabetes Paediatric Audit, shows that 85.5% of people under 25 with diabetes have blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. This means their risk of developing grave long-term complications such as amputation, blindness, heart disease and stroke is higher.
The data also shows that those in the 12-24 age bracket account for the majority of people with dangerous blood glucose levels, and that just 4% of this age group (12,204 people) received the recommended 8 basic annual health checks, which include examinations of feet and eyes.
A statement from Diabetes UK stressed the importance of "urgent action" in order to improve the standard of diabetes management and care for children and young people, with teenagers in particular described as being "lost in the system". The charity has called on healthcare professionals and researchers to submit research proposals that address the need for promoting patient engagement as well as projects that promote good glucose control. It said that action needs to be taken to prevent a generation facing "a future of devastating health complications".
Whilst diabetes is never an easy condition to manage, it is particularly challenging for teenagers, agreed Dr Tabitha Randell, Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Nottingham Children's Hospital. She put this down to hormones as well as the need for independence and the desire to fit in with their social group. She said strategies need to be developed to get young people engaged and ensure their families are providing the necessary support.
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