The NHS must do more to prevent increasing numbers of people from BME communities developing type 2 diabetes it has been suggested.

Cases of type 2 diabetes amongst people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds have risen sharply since 2009/10, new research has highlighted.

These figures, released in answer to a Parliamentary Question, show that annually, there are over 37,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes in BME groups – a rise of 21% between the years 2009/10 – 2011/12, with a 26% increase amongst those from black backgrounds and 23% increase in people from Asian or Asian British backgrounds.

Certain communities showed an even greater increase, including a 31% increase in those from African backgrounds and 26% increase in those of Pakistani origin.2

Whilst diagnoses have also increased in people from white backgrounds, this figure is significantly less at 14%.

The figures are released today alongside the launch of a new report in the House of Commons which shows that over half a million people from BME communities have type 2 diabetes.

The report, titled “Diabetes in BME Communities: raising awareness, improving outcomes and sharing best practice”, aims to provide commissioners with the tools to raise awareness and understanding of the significant impact that diabetes can have in BME communities.

Financial support for the report was provided by the pharmaceutical company Janssen.

The report also recommends that NHS commissioners seek to raise awareness and understanding in BME communities through working with community groups and local authorities, providing culturally sensitive dietary advice and through targeting the NHS health check at people from the age of 25 onwards.

Virendra Sharma MP, Chair of Diabetes in BME Communities Working Group said, “The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in BME communities is reaching a critical stage. Diabetes is silently destroying our communities and we are still not doing enough to stop it.

“Many people from South Asian, black African and black African Caribbean communities are not aware of their increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and we know that delays in seeking help can lead to more complications and increased costs for the NHS.

“We need to help local doctors and nurses to raise awareness of the risks of developing type 2 diabetes and implement services that recognise the specific needs of different BME groups.

“In some areas of England there are initiatives in place to improve awareness and understanding in BME groups through outreach events or by providing training for community leaders. The NHS needs to continue to do more to reduce incidences of diabetes related stoke, amputations and heart failure.”

Asian Image:

Colin Jackson CBE and Virendra Sharma MP (Chair of the group)

 

People from South Asian backgrounds are six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and people from African and African Caribbean backgrounds are up to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to people in the white population.

The chances of being diagnosed increase with age. Up to half of people in BME groups will develop type 2 diabetes by the time they are 80 years old.

New figures released today from Parliamentary Questions also show that cases of diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness, have doubled in the past five years, from 53,076 diagnoses in 2007/8 to 108,212 cases in 2011/12.2 A breakdown of this information is provided in the Notes to Editors.

People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing significant complications such as heart failure, stroke, amputation and blindness if their illness is left undiagnosed or is poorly managed.8

Diabetes costs the NHS an estimated £8.8bn every year and type 2 diabetes in BME groups will be a significant contributor to that amount.8 With the NHS under increasing pressure to reduce costs, improving outcomes for type 2 diabetes patients has been identified as one area where the NHS can invest resources to significantly improve awareness, diagnosis and outcomes.

A survey conducted by ICM for Diabetes UK in 2013 found that less than 33% of people from black African or African Caribbean backgrounds, and only 25% of people from South Asian backgrounds, are aware that type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as amputation, heart attack, blindness and stroke.9

Colin Jackson CBE said: “I know first-hand how devastating the impact of diabetes can be and know that I am at a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of my Caribbean heritage and because of my family history. However, I know that I can control the risk through regular exercise and by watching what I eat.”

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Obesity and Diabetes said, “The NHS is committed to tackling type 2 diabetes, both in terms of providing high quality care for those who suffer, and in terms of doing everything possible to prevent the rising prevalence.

"The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is particularly high in people from South Asian and black African Caribbean populations.

“In many respects obesity is a common antecedent of type 2 diabetes, and increasing rates of childhood obesity in all communities represents a significant concern for the future.

"Improving outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes will depend on tackling the obesity epidemic, and through improving awareness and understanding of diabetes, especially in disadvantaged communities.

"We also need to ensure that patients have the tools and the power to take control of their own care. Whether this is through long term care planning, or by accessing dietary advice and other aspects of structured education that is relevant to their culture, we plan to ensure that patients can access this support.”