Why is it Important for All Healthcare Professionals to be Diabetes Aware?

In the UK, there are over 4.3 million individuals living with diabetes, and an additional 850,000 are believed to be living undiagnosed. When managed and cared for properly, diabetes can be a condition that people can live with comfortably. However, inadequate care can result in severe consequences, including organ damage, amputations, and, in extreme cases, loss of life.

By undertaking Diabetes Awareness Training and understanding how diabetes presents in individuals, its associated risk factors, and its impact on the body, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to empower their patients to take charge of their health and effectively self-manage their diabetes.

There are many misconceptions around diabetes, including who it affects, and why. Type 2 diabetes in particular carries a negative stigma. However, with proper medication and lifestyle changes, it can often be managed effectively.

Diabetes in the UK

The NHS allocates approximately 10% of its budget, roughly £10 billion, to diabetes care. Of this, 80% goes to treating diabetes complications. Unfortunately, a significant 80% of this is dedicated to managing diabetes complications. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of available education. As GP consultation times continue to decrease due to system demands, healthcare professionals often find it challenging to provide patients with the time and knowledge they require. Without access to regular diabetes awareness training, complications may arise. While free resources such those offered by Diabetes UK are available, patients frequently struggle to sift through the overwhelming amount of information available.

As per Diabetes UK, diabetes contributes to an average of 184 amputations, over 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks, and 2,300 cases of heart failure each week. When healthcare professionals are well-informed about diabetes risks, they can guide their patients in recognising and managing these potential dangers effectively.

Risk Factors

Over 2.4 million individuals in the UK face an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes, an alarming statistic that education can significantly mitigate. Factors such as age, family history, ethnicity, diet, and activity levels contribute to this risk. Unfortunately, much of the available diabetes information and research primarily addresses those from White populations. Research, however, has revealed that individuals of Asian, African, Caribbean, and Aboriginal Australian backgrounds are two to four times more susceptible to diabetes. This knowledge gap often leaves individuals of these ethnicities unaware of their risk, making it difficult for them to take preventative measures.

The income and cost of living crisis are bearing a concerning impact on health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Escalating expenses of fresh and healthy food options often result in unmet dietary needs. Research conducted in 2018 revealed that a staggering 81% of UK office workers spend between four and nine hours daily seated at their desks, fostering a sedentary lifestyle that heightens health risks. 

What Can You Do?

By enhancing their understanding of the risks and impacts of diabetes, healthcare professionals can deliver patient-centred, high-quality care. This approach empowers patients with actionable steps to reduce the likelihood of developing or managing this condition. As medical understanding of diabetes is continually expanding, upskilling is essential to stay current with the latest in management and treatment of diabetes.

Our Diabetes Awareness E-Learning Course has been designed to empower you with the skills needed to deliver high quality patient care. To book now, click HERE.