Reduction in emergency admissions and hospital stays for diabetes patients

The number of people with diabetes admitted to hospital in an emergency has fallen by 5% in the last five years, a new report published today shows.

The average length of stay in hospital for people with diabetes has also fallen, from nine days to 6.8 days over the same period.

The All-Wales Diabetes Annual Report 2015 shows how more people are able to manage their blood glucose levels thanks to improved advice from diabetes care teams.

The last 12 months has seen substantial progress in improving care for people with diabetes in Wales. Between 2009-10 and 2014-15, more than 30,000 additional people in Wales were registered with their GP as having diabetes; an increase of nearly 20%.

The report also shows:

• Fewer people are dying from cardiovascular disease, despite its high prevalence among people with diabetes
• More than 98% of children and young people had their HbA1c measured in 2013-14
• The ThinkGlucose programme has improved inpatient care for people with diabetes, including the potential for secondary prevention
• A children and young people’s diabetes network has been set up in Wales
• Record investment in diabetes clinical infrastructure.

The report also sets out a series of actions to ensure progress is maintained, including:

• Reduce the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes
• Continue tackling lifestyle risks
• Take steps to avoid the additional risks of complications associated with diabetes
• Continue to increase the take up of structured education among children, young people and adults.

Deputy Minister for Health, Vaughan Gething said:

“What matters most for people is that the NHS is there in their time of need – a service which listens, understands and gives the best possible outcomes. The best outcome, of course, is for people to stay as healthy as possible by empowering them to manage their own care.

“For many people who have long-term conditions, the best outcome is reducing and minimising the impact of their symptoms and, wherever possible, keeping them out of hospital. It’s therefore great to see the positive progress the Welsh NHS has made in this area.”

Dr Andrew Goodall, chief executive of NHS Wales, said:

“There are excellent examples of diabetes services improving throughout NHS Wales while dealing with an ever-growing demand for care.

“However, we continue to pursue faster and more accurate diagnosis, shared decision making about treatment and ongoing support for self-management.”