73.1% of the 158,405 NHS NEL patients diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes received all eight essential annual health checks compared to 57.6% across England, reports Marco Marcelline
The NHS in north-east London (NEL) has ranked first in England among integrated care boards in supporting people to manage their diabetes.
The latest National Diabetes Audit for 2024/25 shows nearly three-quarters (73.1%) of the 158,405 NHS NEL patients diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes received all eight essential annual health checks.
This compares to the national average of 57.6%.
The checks monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, kidney function, weight, smoking status, and foot health.
The care board, which oversees healthcare in Waltham Forest, and seven other London boroughs, says the high uptake of checks achieved is largely down to the “successful delivery of dedicated clinics” by primary care teams that bring diabetes care closer to patients’ homes.
Dr Paul Gilluley, chief medical officer for NHS NEL, said: “Diabetes care provided under NHS NEL’s Long Term Conditions programme supports the ‘three big shifts’ outlined in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, published in July, which outlines moving care from hospital to community settings, a transformation from analogue to digital systems, and a fundamental change from sickness to prevention.
“We’re delighted that the work we’re doing to support people living with diabetes is having a positive impact. It shows that by taking services into the community, improving access to these crucial checks, people are more likely to engage with their care.
Dr Chris Carvalho, GP in City and Hackney and associate clinical director for long term conditions for NHS NEL, said: “Taking this approach supports people with diabetes to manage their condition and lead healthier lives, and this is turn helps us reduce hospital admissions and ease pressures on local health services so there are benefits for individuals and for the NHS.
“The positive results highlighted in the latest National Diabetes Audit are testament to the hard work of our GPs and practice teams and local partners. However, we recognise there’s still room for improvement and we will continue to work collectively to deliver better care for diabetes patients across north east London.
NEL has some of the highest estimated Type-2 diabetes prevalence in the country, which means improved access to these key checks is crucial for local people.”
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