Diabetes UK essential guide updated

Getting the flu jab and talking about sexual problems have been included in the 15 Healthcare Essentials guide for people with diabetes.

The document, compiled by Diabetes UK, aims to help people with diabetes understand what care and support they should be receiving.

The new additions are a result of discussions with Diabetes UK’s Council of Healthcare Professionals, Council of People with Diabetes and the charity’s Involvement Network.

Feedback from the organisation’s annual care survey was also taken into account.

Getting feedback from people with diabetes and healthcare professionals on how we could improve the guide was a critical first step

The guide recommends getting an annual flu jab because people with diabetes are at greater risk of severe illness, such as pneumonia, if they get flu and that can lead to problems with diabetes control.

Support and education

Talking about sexual problems has also been included because diabetes increases the risk of sexual dysfunction in both men and women which can be caused by physical, emotional and lifestyle factors, or by medication being taken by the person with diabetes.

People with diabetes who experience sexual dysfunction should be assessed and given support and education, and referred to an appropriate service if necessary.

This is the first time the guidelines have been amended since they were launched over four years ago.

The list no longer includes guidance for children and young people as this is now covered separately in Diabetes UK’s Type 1 Essentials guide.

Simon O’Neill, director of healthcare intelligence at Diabetes UK, said: “Since its launch the 15 Healthcare Essentials guide has played a vital role in helping people with diabetes to understand what care and support they should be receiving, but we felt it was time to review and update the guide to ensure it works even harder for people with diabetes.

“Getting feedback from people with diabetes and healthcare professionals on how we could improve the guide was a critical first step.

“Getting the flu jab could save your life if you have diabetes, and being able to talk about any sexual problems you are encountering as a result of your diabetes and asking for help with this is something that everyone should feel confident and comfortable in doing. That’s why these two things are now included in the 15 Healthcare Essentials.”