More than 5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, of whom 90% have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).1 Primary care teams play a key role in the diagnosis and management of this condition. How people present, options for lifestyle interventions, therapeutic choices, and the possibility of remission, have substantially changed how primary care teams should be discussing a new diagnosis of T2DM with patients. As members of the Diabetes UK Research Steering group, we are concerned that patients are not receiving the care required at the point of diagnosis; a key moment in the patient’s journey and life-long relationship with the health service. This editorial explores the current context of T2DM care and why conversations at the point of diagnosis are crucial for both patients and clinicians.
Health inequalities, stigma and T2DM
The Health Foundation estimates that health inequalities related to diabetes are widening at an alarming rate, with those in the most deprived areas developing T2DM at a younger age.2 This rise in young adults with T2DM is associated with obesity, deprivation, and diverse ethnic groups.3 Research has shown that this group develop a more aggressive nature of T2DM with subsequent greater risk of diabetes related complications, such as retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and renal disease.3 Over 6% of the UK Health budget is spent on diabetes. Direct and indirect costs of diabetes and its related conditions are estimated to be £14 billion, estimated to rise to £18 billion by 2035.4
People with a new diagnosis of T2DM often endure significant stigma related to the condition, …
