 There are currently 150,000 diagnosed diabetics in Scotland |
A leading charity has accused the NHS in Scotland of leaving people with diabetes undiagnosed and untreated. Diabetes UK Scotland estimates that almost 100,000 people in Scotland unknowingly have the condition.
Following a survey, the organisation claimed that just 25% of local health services have a strategy for early identification of the condition, which can lead to blindness, heart disease and cause strokes.
Diabetes UK director for Scotland Audrey Birt is calling on local health authorities to take action to address the issue.
She said: "People with diabetes are being kept in the dark - often they don't even know they have the condition until they develop complications. Local health authorities must address this issue now.
"A failure to do so will put lives at risk."
There are currently 150,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in Scotland.
The need for early identification of people with diabetes is highlighted within the Scottish Executive's Scottish Diabetes Framework, the blueprint for diabetes care in the 21st century.
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