Huge numbers of people with diabetes are not being given the routine checks they need, according to a new report on health inequalities.
Diabetes UK says only 47% of those with the condition received all eight of their required checks in 2021-22.
Being checked for such things as blood sugar and blood pressure is shown to reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease, hospitalisation and premature death.
Diabetes-related deaths are up by 7,000 a year compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the charity says this may be linked to the backlog in routine care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its report, Diabetes Care: Is it fair enough?, the charity is calling for urgent action to deal with the routine care backlog and prevent avoidable deaths.
It is also concerned about ‘stark health inequalities’ across England, with people from the poorest areas struggling most to access vital services.
Diabetes UK chief executive Chris Askew said: ‘Routine care can be lifesaving and help prevent other serious complications such as amputations, strokes and heart disease.
‘Yet far too many people with diabetes are being left to go it alone managing this challenging and potentially fatal condition, with deeply alarming numbers of checks either missed or delayed.’
