Member News
ePolitix.com reports on Thursday's Lords debate on links between type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Baroness Wilkins has highlighted the "appalling consequences" of type 2 diabetes in a debate regarding the increasing cases of the illness.
Baroness Wilkins expressed her concern that levels of type 2 diabetes are on the rise, and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis.
She called for equal access to vital services, to prevent the "appalling consequences" of diabetes.
Baroness Thornton replied that she was unaware of any reduction in the expenditure or workforce for diabetes care. She said that the government is investing heavily in preventative measures, through the 'Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives' strategy and the vascular checks programme.
Thornton added that guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in 2008 encourage people to live healthier lifestyles.
Acknowledging the close link between obesity and diabetes, Baroness Thornton emphasised the need to reduce the number of young people and children becoming overweight.
She highlighted the importance of access to quality services, and recognised that diabetes care is much more complex for children and young people.
Responding to concerns about ocular and renal conditions associated with diabetes, Thornton said that the Change4Life and Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives initiatives will raise public awareness about the positive correlation between obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Opposition spokesman for health, Earl Howe, emphasised the need to improve diabetes care for school-age children.
Baroness Thornton replied that the Department of Health and Diabetes UK is working with education specialists to ensure that teachers and school nurses know how to deal with diabetic children.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
Alice
4th Jun 2010 at 6:13 pm