Forum Brief: Diabetes

Diabetes could become an epidemic out of control in the UK unless the government takes decisive action now, Health Which? magazine has warned.

In response to growing concern over diabetes, the government has published the first part of its National Service Framework (NSF) for diabetes, setting out its plan to improve care standards for people with the condition in England.

However, according to Gareth Williams, professor of medicine and director of the diabetes and endocrinology research group at the University of Liverpool, the NSF is "tinkering at the edges".

"If they really want to tackle this they need to come out with recommendations that will stem the epidemic of obesity. That means a fundamental rethink of public health strategy," he said.

Forum Response: Consumers' Association

Sue Freeman, Managing Editor of Health Which?, told ePolitix.com: "Ask anyone involved in diabetes care what they think of the NSF and they will tell you they welcome it and any new money it brings, but ask them if they think it will work and the answers are disturbing. There is a real feeling that the NSF framework is too little too late.

"If the government really wants to tackle this, they need to come up with proposals that address core concerns like obesity and this will mean a fundamental re-think of public health strategy.

"Diabetes represents an enormous challenge for the NHS over the next few decades and it has the potential to be a severe drain on funds given to the health service.

"Like the experts we spoke to on this subject, we are concerned the implementation strategy for the NSF due out later this year may only be one step along a very long road."

Forum Response: Pfizer

A spokeswoman for Pfizer told ePolitix.com: "Pfizer is aware that diabetes is an increasingly common problem.

"While controlling the condition is key, diabetics are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and as such other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol should be monitored. Pfizer is committed to raising awareness of this disease area."