A third of Scots who suffer from diabetes are at risk of heart disease, blindness and kidney failure because they don’t manage their blood sugar levels properly.
Diabetes UK Scotland say 58,092 sufferers out of 168,981 (34%) analysed in Scotland were not hitting their recommended levels of blood glucose.
The analysis in Scottish GP surgeries showed a similar pattern to that throughout the UK, with health board areas in Grampian, Highland & Argyll and Borders having the poorest rates.
National director of Diabetes UK Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson, believes more support for sufferers is needed.
She said: “It’s terrible that so many people aren’t receiving the education, care and support they need to meet their diabetes.
“It is vital that all of the 220,000 people with diabetes across Scotland are armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively.
“If they need support to achieve this it should be widely available.”
It is essential for those with diabetes to keep glucose levels between 6.5 and 7.5% to cut the risk of long-term complications from disease.
Last updated: 14 November 2009, 12:41
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