Concern at sustained increase in number of Type 2 diabetes cases

HEALTH: Review being carried out on prevention measures

Health chiefs are battling to stem a rising tide of Type 2 diabetes cases in Tayside.

In 2010 NHS Tayside recorded 16,884 patients living with the condition – 4,451 in Angus, 6,929 in Dundee and 5,504 in Perth and Kinross.

With one exception, there has been a year-on-year increase with figures for this year showing 5,997 cases in Angus, 8,545 in Dundee (a slight decrease from 8,555 the previous year) and 6,995 in Perth and Kinross, a total of 21,537.

The growing problem in Angus was raised by Councillor Lynne Devine, SNP member for Forfar and District, at a meeting of the local authority’s scrutiny and audit committee.

During an Angus Health and Social Care Partnership annual performance report for April 2018 to March 2019, delivered by chief officer Vicky Irons, she asked what was being done to prevent the “very worrying” increase.

“We have struggled with this for at least a generation and yet somehow the message isn’t getting through. COUNCILLOR LYNNE DEVINE

Ms Irons gave assurances a review is being carried out on prevention measures.

After the meeting Ms Devine said: “We have struggled with this for at least a generation and yet somehow the message isn’t getting through.

“There is no doubt in my mind the food industry is culpable by using fats and sugar hidden in products as well as through their constant promotions of junk food.”

Dr Christopher Schofield, clinical lead for diabetes with NHS Tayside, later confirmed, in line with a national rise across Scotland, the prevalence of people living with Type 2 diabetes in Tayside has increased in recent years.

“Angus Health and Social Care Partnership’s whole-system response approach to address this is part of a wider strategy to transform diabetes care for the whole of Tayside,” he said.

“GPS and consultants are working together with patients to develop new ways of working to support people with diabetes.

“This includes the improved use of technology.

“Improved access to weight loss activities through social prescribing are also being explored as scientific evidence has shown that by losing weight, people can reduce the impact of having diabetes on their health.”