My diabetes, my care: diabetes care review launched

Today we've launched our review exploring the quality of care for people with diabetes in England.

My diabetes, my care highlights that – while there are many examples of where diabetes care is working well – people are not always supported to self-manage their condition in a way that is suited to them as an individual.

CQC talked to people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes aged between 18 and 65 about their experiences as well as with commissioners, providers and staff across the country about how community diabetes care is delivered.

The review discovered that people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes were not always identified early enough and supported to become healthier. Some people also felt they were not receiving enough emotional support, including those with Type 2 diabetes, where the need for this kind of support might be more than expected.

Our findings also demonstrate that people who attend structured education courses feel this improves their ability and confidence to manage their diabetes. But it was evident that the courses were not able to meet everyone’s needs.

In addition, we found that people from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups were less likely to be aware of education programmes and that courses were rarely offered to people with a learning disability. It was not always clear how the education needs of those who had not attended such courses were being met.

CQC’s Chief Executive David Behan said: "With nearly 3.5 million people living with diabetes in England, and predictions that this figure could rise to 4.6 million by 2030, there has never been a more important time for all parts of the health and social care system to address this condition.

"Getting our response right on diabetes is crucial to delivering the vision set out in the Five Year Forward View, which prioritises prevention and public health and transcends traditional boundaries between primary care, community services and hospitals.

"Together, let’s make self-management a real priority for the benefit of people living with diabetes and the future sustainability of the NHS.”