Ignorance Of Life-Threatening Condition Puts More Diabetics At Risk

7.56.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th May 2008

Liberal Democrats in Worcestershire are calling for greater screening for diabetes after worrying new figures revealed that there has been a steady rise in the number of emergency admissions to local hospitals for a life threatening condition which develops if diabetes remains undetected.

Local parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt said that many people were not aware they were diabetic. Early detection could save lives by preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening form of the illness.

Figures show that in 2003/04 there were 60 emergency admissions to hospital for DKA in Worcestershire. In 2006/7, this had risen to 79.

Mr Burt, who is the party's parliamentary health spokesman for the West Midlands, said: "Diabetics are increasingly being put at risk, often because they don't know enough about their condition.

"Too many people don't realise they have diabetes in the first place. We need better education to warn diabetics of the life-threatening dangers of DKA, and also a greater awareness campaign so that people can spot the symptoms of diabetes early.

"Worcestershire PCT must do all it can to ensure people benefit from the National Service Framework requirement for screening. Local health services should highlight the need for individuals to watch out for any symptoms of diabetes and encourage people concerned they are developing the illness to be screened.

"Early detection will certainly help to save lives."