Many patients with diabetes have blood pressure levels that are too high, a report revealed yesterday.
Too many annual checks do not take place and blood pressure targets are not met, according to an audit report.
Doctors have details of the blood pressure of some 2.3 million people with diabetes – but this has led to targets for blood pressure levels not being met in just over half of patients, the report says.
The National Diabetes Audit for the year from 2011 to 2102 finds that many patients with diabetes do not even receive an annual check.
This was missed in the case of 56.8% of those with type 1 diabetes and 37.4% of those with type 2 diabetes.
And just 34% of people in their 20s received all checks.
The researchers say the proportion of patients with successfully managed blood pressure has increased in the year – but still stands at 48.1%. The target is 140/80.
Dr Bob Young, who led the audit, said: "Today’s audit shows how much scope there is for reducing heart disease and stroke in people with diabetes by achieving the blood pressure treatment target more often."
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