The NHS is failing to identify patients at high risk of type 2 diabetes early enough, according to a review by the Care Quality Commission.
The CQC found that identifying those at risk early meant they could be supported to become healthier.
It says there are many examples of where care works well – but sometimes patients do not get support to self-manage their condition.
The review backs the use of structured education courses to improve patients’ ability to manage the condition – but warns that the courses do not meet everyone’s needs.
The CQC says its findings come from discussions with patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes together with discussions with staff, providers and commissioners of services.
It says that patients of ethnic minority background were less likely than others to be aware of education programmes – and that these were rarely offered to people with learning difficulties.
Chief executive David Behan said: "With nearly 3.5 million people living with diabetes in England, and predictions that this figure could rise to 4.6 million by 2030, there has never been a more important time for all parts of the health and social care system to address this condition.
"Getting our response right on diabetes is crucial to delivering the vision set out in the Five Year Forward View, which prioritises prevention and public health and transcends traditional boundaries between primary care, community services and hospitals."
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