Diabetes patients to get 'information prescriptions'

[maureenho]

Diabetes patients to get 'information prescriptions'

27 January 2015 Last updated at 08:32

GPs across the UK are being advised to give "information prescriptions" to any diabetic patients who do not have their condition under control.

It is hoped that the page-long printouts will nudge patients in the right direction to avoid serious long-term complications such as amputation.

If someone is not meeting their blood glucose target, for example, an alert will flash on their GP's computer.

Experts say only a third of diabetics have good control of their condition.

According to the charity Diabetes UK, only 36% of diabetes patients meet the three targets set for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30979414

Diabetes

There are two main types: type 1 and type 2

In type 1, which accounts for about 10% of diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the cells that make insulin
Type 2 diabetes is when the body either cannot make enough insulin or the body's cells do not react to it
Insulin treatment is always needed for type 1 diabetes, while if you have type 2 you may be able to control your symptoms by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and monitoring your blood sugar.