Monday marks the start of Diabetes Week 2021, organised by Diabetes UK.  Statistics show that there are approximately 549,000 people with undiagnosed diabetes in this country and approximately four million people within the United Kingdom living with diabetes. These figures are staggering, and in current times with increasing pressures on the NHS due to the Covid pandemic, the continued rise in diabetes claims will undoubtedly have a significant financial impact on the health service. . 

It is perhaps no secret that during periods of lockdown some peoples’ lifestyles have become more sedentary in terms of physical fitness. There are frequent articles on the impending crisis the NHS may face with patient health affected (both physical and mental).  Type 2 diabetes is on the rise and it is therefore vitally important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for..  These can include:

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• General malaise and tiredness
• Genital itching
• Weight loss
• Slow healing wounds
• Eyesight affected and becoming blurry

With Type 2 diabetes these symptoms can frequently go undetected or develop slowly.  In type 1 diabetes, they can come on more quickly and severely.

At JMW we are heavily committed to improving patient safety and I have long been an advocate of the mantra that prevention is better than cure.  It is undoubtedly the case that the NHS continues to remain under pressure and it will need significant financial support to deal with a variety of health conditions, not least diabetes, as lockdown eases.  As a solicitor dealing with medical injuries, I have seen a vast amount of cases where sadly these symptoms have been missed, or where the complications of diabetes have gone untreated.  Most commonly, these relate to issues of wound care. 

As anyone dealing with diabetes on a daily basis will know, wound care is vitally important and in my time I have seen cases where wounds have unfortunately been inadequately treated resulting in very severe injuries, including amputation taking place. At the start of Diabetes Week therefore it is vitally important to know the symptoms and to seek prompt treatment. 

Whilst people may be reluctant to “trouble” the NHS in these difficult times, symptoms such as these cannot be ignored.  Wounds can take a considerably long time to heal and frequently need specialist input from a dedicated district nurse or in some cases even intravenous antibiotics, so I would urge anyone with concerns to seek prompt medical advice.

If you believe that you have suffered poor treatment as a result of your condition which has led to such complications, I am more than happy to discuss matters with you.