Guide to better diabetes care

Europe's largest patient body for diabetes sufferers has produced a new guide for practitioners and PCTs on best practice.

Diabetes UK's Good Practice Guidance is aimed at healthcare professionals who are involved in the planning of diabetes services and networks. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age in the UK.

The charity claims the 19-page publication gives useful advice on developing an effective 'user involvement strategy' aimed at ensuring that people living with diabetes are involved in all levels of planning, including setting priorities, monitoring and evaluation.

The content of the guide has been influenced by feedback the charity received from people with diabetes who are involved in planning diabetes services.

Ann Rowe, user involvement manager for Diabetes UK, said: 'We're committed to ensuring that the voice of people with diabetes is heard within service planning and this guide is designed to help healthcare professionals play their role in achieving this goal. 

'These documents offer an effective step-by-step approach to good practice.'

The guide is available free of charge. Copies can be obtained by contacting Diabetes UK's user involvement project on 020 7424 1111 or email to user.involvement@diabetes.org.uk