By Colin Kenny, Editor – Diabetes Distilled
Urine albumin care process checks are being completed less frequently than other checks across all types of diabetes, according to the latest National Diabetes Audit. Body mass index recording and foot examinations appear to have improved since the last audit. Most other care processes remain well completed, although less often in people with type 1 diabetes and in younger people with any type of diabetes.
The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) provides a comprehensive view of diabetes care in England and Wales, now that data from all practices are included, and measures the effectiveness of diabetes healthcare against NICE clinical guidelines and quality standards. The 2017–18 report includes data on 3,398,470 people for the audit period 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2018 and contains the full key findings, including new treatment targets showing statin prescriptions for cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
Between 2013–14 and 2017–18, there were similar levels of target achievement for people with type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 and individuals with other types of diabetes. Measurements showed marked geographical and service variation. More offers of structured education were made to patients, according to the latest report, but this was not matched by actual attendance. People of working age and younger were found to be almost half as likely to achieve treatment targets than their older counterparts.
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