A report has found that 85 percent of adults in the UK lack access to specialist psychological support and care.
The report by Diabetes UK called 'Minding the Gap – The provision of psychological support and care for people with diabetes in the UK', found that only 25 percent of diabetes services can name and supply contact details for people who provide specialist psychological care.
The survey examined all 464 diabetes services in the UK, using postal questionnaires and structured telephone interviews focussing on 'moderate psychological problems', or 'difficulties with coping causing significant anxiety or lowered mood, with impaired ability to care for oneself as a result'.
The report also found that diabetes services lack basic elements of care relating to psychological needs, with only one in ten services using any screening and assessment tools to diagnose psychological problems and 80 percent having no guidelines for referral.
Worryingly, it revealed only two percent of services complied with all relevant National Service Framework standards (NSF) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance recommendations.
Diabetes UK is calling for easy access to specialised psychological support for people with diabetes and mental health provision by professionals with specific knowledge and experience in the area of diabetes.
Previous research has indicated that depression is doubled in people with diabetes and that unfortunately this can lead to poor self-care, resulting in increased risk of complications.
Addressing psychological problems may dramatically improve glycaemic control as well as quality of life for people with diabetes. If you would like to speak to someone for more help, please see your Diabetes Healthcare professional.