§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients are receiving treatment for diabetes in England and Wales; [47462]
(2) what his Department's projections are for the number of diabetes sufferers in England and Wales in each of the next 10 years; [47463]
(3) what his Department is doing to promote earlier detection of diabetes; [47464]
(4) what his Department's estimate is of the annual cost of care for a diabetic in financial year 2001–02; [47470]
(5) what his Department's budget committed to the treatment of diabetes is in 2001–02; and what it is projected to be for 2002–03. [47469]
§ Jacqui SmithThere are an estimated 1.3 million people with diagnosed diabetes in England. Incidence is difficult to predict in diabetes, but it has been estimated that this figure will increase by 3 per cent. each year.
437WInformation is not collected on the cost of treating individuals with diabetes. Around 5 per cent. of total NHS resources, and up to 10 per cent. of hospital in-patient resources are used for the care of people with diabetes.
The Diabetes National Service Framework: "Standards", published in December 2001, sets 12 standards in nine areas, including the prevention and detection of diabetes. We have asked the National Screening Committee to assess the benefits and drawbacks of screening for Type 2 diabetes. The Committee has decided that further research, which may require some complex studies, is needed to inform its advice. It will report to the Department of Health in 2005.