The reports states it is up to all of us together, medical professionals, health agencies, and Government to be more consistent in transferring the theory into action, and enable people to control their diabetes effectively. The report starts noting the evidence about what works in diabetes. Patients need support and the knowledge to help them care for themselves effectively, but this support and education is very inconsistent across the country.
Figures are worse still for ethnic minority patient groups.
Few people have access to psychological support. The report identifies major weaknesses at all levels of prevention of diabetes and its early detection. Problems include no screening policy for diabetes. One exception illustrated in the report was a Health Action Zone in Bradford. This did receive increased funding, but enthusiasm, organisational changes, and involvement of all those involved helped to create a significant improvement in the service.