NHS care worries over children with diabetes

Many children with Type 1 diabetes are not getting the care they need to manage the condition, a charity has warned.

Diabetes UK said 85 per cent of children who suffer from the illness have poor blood sugar control because of the management of their condition.

Setting out a list of 10 essential services diabetic children should receive – including regular check-ups, support to manage their disease and access to a specialist team – the charity said NHS managers should ensure resources are in place so children have access to the appropriate care.

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Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “The fact that so many people with Type 1 diabetes are doing less well than they should is at least partly the consequence of the quality of healthcare for children with the condition.

“There is no good reason why we should be lagging so far behind countries in terms of management of the condition but the stark truth is that the UK fails to deliver good quality healthcare for children with Type 1 diabetes. Every child needs to get the 10 things that can make a real difference.

“By publishing our guide to what good care looks like, we hope the NHS will ensure that services 
are commissioned and organised to give every child with 
Type 1 diabetes the quality of healthcare they deserve and we want parents and healthcare professionals to understand what good care is so they can play 
their part in making sure it is delivered.

“Our children with Type 1 diabetes have been let down by poor healthcare for too long.

“By making sure every child gets 10 out of 10, we can give every child with the condition the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.”

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