New report shows growing diabetes burden in children

A new report has highlighted the growing impact of diabetes among children and young people in England and Wales, as well as the continuing quality of care variation affecting the NHS.

The latest National Paediatric Diabetes Audit report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has revealed that 1,000 more cases of children with diabetes were reported in England and Wales last year.

Of those affected by type 1 diabetes, 27.5 percent had high blood pressure, while over seven percent had excess protein in their urine – which indicates a high risk of future kidney disease – with more than 14 percent having early signs of eye disease.

While quality of care is improving, variations remain, with those from deprived areas and ethnic minorities having poorer outcomes.

Dr Justin Warner, clinical lead for the audit, said: "This is a lifelong condition, where tight overall diabetes control is important to reduce the risk of complications later in life. This requires a close partnership between healthcare professionals delivering care and children and families with diabetes."

The burden of diabetes in the UK is expected to increase in the coming years to due the rising prevalence of issues such as obesity – a trend that could have a negative impact on the NHS if left unchecked.