Implementation advice: health inequalities in type 2 diabetes
Access to services
Access to essential diabetes services varies greatly across the country. Socioeconomic disadvantages and where people live can limit their access to GP appointments, specialist clinics, diabetes education and weight management support. People in the most deprived areas face barriers such as transport and finding an appointment time that fits around shift work and unpaid caring responsibilities.
Why this matters
NICE's guideline on type 2 diabetes recommends that medicines are added sequentially, with timely review. People who cannot easily attend appointments may remain on suboptimal therapy for longer.
What you can do
Actions for providers and healthcare professionals
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Use community-based support models to work closely with community pharmacy teams or community clinics, helping integrate models that improve local access.
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Ensure service capacity supports stepwise treatment by ensuring services are well resourced, so reviews and medication changes are not delayed.
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Prioritise and proactively support people at a higher risk of reduced access by identifying people at the highest risk, such as people with poor attendance and people living in areas of high deprivation. Use outreach such as recalls, reminders and community health workers to ensure timely reviews.
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Use flexible appointment models by making use of existing extended primary care hours, telephone consultations and outreach clinics to reduce practical barriers.
Actions for commissioners
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Use community-based support models to support partnership working with community pharmacy teams or community clinics.
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Ensure service capacity supports stepwise treatment by resourcing services to support timely reviews and medication changes.
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