Diabetes patients are having their say in a national online debate about the way they are cared for. The live link-up was launched last week at North Tyneside Hospital's Diabetes Centre. It will bring together patients, carers, clinicians and policy-makers to help shape diabetes care around people's needs and experiences. The aim is to make sure the best care and support for diabetes patients is available right across the country and ensure that everyone has access to information and education that will help them to manage their disease. Dr Sue Roberts, national clinical director for diabetes and a consultant at Northumbria Healthcare Trust, said: "When the National Service Framework on Diabetes was launched two years ago one of the key objectives was to look at the variations in care around the country. "Reading the comments so far on the internet it is extremely sad and distressing to hear of cases where people are suffering in one place when others describe the excellent care they get for the same problem elsewhere. The infor-mation provided by patients via this link-up will be helpful in tackling this, identifying areas of best practice and also areas where there are gaps in the service. "It also demonstrates what an excellent source of advice and support people with diabetes can be for each other." Diabetes is a common health condition affecting around three in every 100 people. A further one million people are estimated to be living with the disease without even realising it. Muriel Grist, 74, from Wallsend, was diagnosed with type-two diabetes 14 years ago. Explaining why she went along to North Tyneside's Diabetes Centre to take part in the debate, she said: "This is a real opportunity for users of the service to let the Government know exactly what we need. "We have a fantastic service here at North Tyneside but I still don't think there is enough money being allocated for diabetes care." Patience Wilkes, 62, a retired nurse from North Tyneside, said: "Nationally, there's still a lack of communication and information for diabetes patients and I think this debate will help to change that." Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell also attended the launch of the debate. He said: "I would encourage everyone in North Tyneside to get involved and engage in the vital debate on diabetes, which affects so many in my constituency." The online debate continues until the end of February and the final report will be presented to the Diabetes Minister, Rosie Winterton, on March 16. To take part in the debate go to www.tellparliament.net/ diabetes Know the insulin facts What is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus occurs when there is excessive amounts of glucose (sugar) present in the blood, because the body cannot use it properly. An estimated 1.4 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, but a further one million people are undiagnosed. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 (insulin dependant) where the body is unable to produce any insulin. Type 2 (non-insulin dependant) where the body is able to produce insulin, but not enough or the insulin produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). What causes Diabetes? Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, and from sugar and other sweet foods and from the liver which makes glucose. Insulin is the hormone that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel. Without insulin or very little of it, this process cannot take place, creating a build-up of sugar in the blood. The symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst, tiredness, low energy levels, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision and going to the toilet all the time especially at night. There are complications that may arise from diabetes. One in four may go on to develop kidney disease, and eight percent of diabetics are receiving some sort of treatment for this. People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Can Diabetes be treated? It can be managed by a combination of healthy diet, regular physical activity and sometimes tablets and insulin. Early treatment reduces the chances of developing serious problems. *Information from www.bbc.co.uk/health/ conditions/diabetes/ To find out more about diabetes and how to lead a healthier lifestyle ask your GP or practice nurse or contact the charity Diabetes UK: (0845) 120 2960 (available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or go to www.diabetes.org.uk Trials to upgrade care of patients Diabetes patients in Tyneside are taking part in the world's biggest treatment trial. To make life better for sufferers, health experts in North Tyneside and Newcastle are running a new study. Called DESMOND - Diabetes education self-management and ongoing newly-diagnosed - the trial will chart the progress of a group of patients following structured group education programmes and a group who do not. The results of the year-long trial will then be used to compile the first nationally-recognised guidelines for managing Type Two diabetes. Lindsay Oliver, consultant dietician in diabetic care for the Northumbria Healthcare Trust, leading the project at North Tyneside General Hospital, said: "The results we get from this trial will be extremely important as it will lead to patients being able to do more for themselves. With such a big increase in the number of cases of diabetes, especially Type Two, there is growing pressure on care staff." | 
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