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An action plan setting out a three-year vision for improving the health and wellbeing of people with diabetes has been published.

The Scottish Diabetes Action Plan 2010 offers the opportunity for the diabetes community to work together to share best practice, support and deliver high quality care.

The plan aims to:

    * Promote self-management of the condition through effective education, better access to psychological support and the use of information technology
    * Minimise the impact of the potentially serious complications associated with diabetes
    * Increase the availability of intensive insulin treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes, including insulin pump therapy
    * Create a stronger emphasis on screening and prevention of diabetes

The Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, said:

"I am delighted that people with diabetes, healthcare professionals, NHS managers, research groups, the voluntary sector, Government, industry and others have come together to deliver this Scottish Diabetes Action Plan. The consultation process, Better Diabetes Care, which I launched in 2009, highlighted recent improvements in care, but also drew attention to the challenges that continue to face us.

"The consultation stressed the need to address the continuing rise in the number of people in Scotland with diabetes and the urgency of reducing the adverse impact the condition has on people's lives and wellbeing, both physical and psychological.

"The Action Plan reflects the principles of our Quality Strategy, providing the diabetes community with the tools to realise our aim of world class, person-centred, effective and efficient services for people with diabetes in Scotland."

Jane-Claire Judson, director of Diabetes UK Scotland, said:

"A clear roadmap setting out priorities for providing high quality care and support, reducing the rate of increase and diagnosing people earlier to help avoid complications is crucial for both patients and NHS staff delivering and developing services. Diabetes UK Scotland is delighted to see the Action Plan set out strategies for care, prevention and detection that the NHS in partnership with patients will work to deliver in the coming years."

More than 228,000 people in Scotland have been diagnosed with diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 which usually develops in childhood. Type 2 diabetes which accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases usually occurs in the over 35s (average age 52) and is more common in people who are overweight.

The current Diabetes Action Plan was launched in 2006 and set out a three year programme of work. The new Action Plan will carry forward key elements of that programme.

Related Information
Diabetes Action Plan 2010: Quality Care for Diabetes in Scotland