diabetes increase

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Rise in diabetes 18/8/11

A dramatic rise in the numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes in the Western Isles is causing huge concern for Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart.

The official estimate of those with diabetes is put at 1,868 - some two and a half times a 2005 pharmaceutical industry prediction says Mr Stewart.

He acknowledged the "dedicated work" that the NHS were carrying out in the Western Isles in treating diabetes.

He said: "Diabetes is not just simply a life-long condition. It also has a host of potentially serious complications such as heart disease, eye problems, strokes and kidney disease if the condition is not treated properly.

He continued: “If we want the NHS to be a 21st. century leader in preventative service, then we must take co-operative action towards that goal.

“The public can expect quality advice on risks to health that certain conditions pose, quality care to enable self-management by those indentified with that condition, as well as the best possible information on how to minimise the risks at the outset.”