The provision of dietetic services to diabetics in the United Kingdom. Nutrition Sub-Committee of the Medical Advisory Committee of the British Diabetic Association.

Abstract

Data on dietetic services to the diabetic in the United Kingdom was sought from dietitians and doctors, from Regional Health Authorities, from patients through local branches of the British Diabetic Association, and by detailed examination of dietitian's work loads in some districts. Considerable deficiencies are demonstrated in the provision of dietetic care and education to the diabetic in the country. A minimum provision for direct diabetic care and education of 15 hours of dietetic time per 100,000 of population per week is required. The data collected indicates that diabetes occupies some 25 per cent of total dietetic time in any one district. Individual district and unit managers should ensure that adequate numbers of WTE are available to offer this continuing commitment. Difficulties may arise in allocating exclusive responsibility for diabetic dietary education to any one individual. However, in any one district, one senior dietitian could be allocated the task of co-ordinating diabetes education and ensuring that all members of the dietetic staff and the diabetic team are kept up to date with all dietary developments. It is of considerable concern that some districts have no diabetic dietetic service or a very rudimentary one. It is of concern that even in districts provided with dietetic cover, the provision may vary by two- to three-fold.