Diabetes patients 'risking death' by ignoring medication
Tuesday, 27 May 2008 08:01
More than 650,000 people with type two diabetes putting lives at risk by not taking prescribed medication
More than 650,000 people with type two diabetes are putting their lives at risk by not taking their prescribed medication, it was claimed today.
Research published by Diabetes UK says two thirds of Britons who treat their disease with tablets do not understand what they are for.
But the charity says patients are too embarrassed to ask doctors or nurses for fear of appearing stupid.
Failure to take prescribed medication can lead to heart disease, blindness and kidney failure, Diabetes UK warns.
Douglas Smallwood, its chief executive, said it was a "tragedy" people were not taking their prescribed medication.
He explained many people did not understand they tablets were for their long-term health benefits.
"Many people struggle to realise the importance of taking their medicines, especially if the consequences are not immediately apparent despite the fact that damage caused is irreparable," he said.
"Effectively controlling type two diabetes can reduce the risk of heart disease by 56 per cent, and eye disease and kidney disease by 33 per cent."
Mr Smallwood added that Diabetes UK was calling on patient education and communication with healthcare professionals to be improved.