The Big Health Debate: Party pledges for the NHS and diabetes

   (Flickr: 401(K) 2012)

Prevention

Diabetes is still on the rise and the general election is almost upon us. Thoughts have turned to our current health care system and whether it will creak under this added pressure or flourish into something more efficient than ever before.

Today in the UK a massive 3.2 million people are living with diagnosed diabetes, around 90% of whom have type 2 diabetes. And this number is predicted to grow...and grow...unless solid plans are put in place to encourage people to lose weight and get more active.  Just because diabetes is very common these days, let’s not underestimate the severe impact it has on the individual. Yes, the NHS needs to make cost efficiencies, but it also claims to patient wellbeing and outcomes at its heart.

So, how is each of the main political parties intending to strengthen our NHS, stop the growth in type 2 diabetes, and improve the treatment of those with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

Labour

•  Pledges to put an extra £2.5 billion into NHS funding to pay for more nurses, midwives and GPs and this money will come from taxation

• They will put a greater emphasis on prevention, rather than cure, to ensure that the NHS remains sustainable

 And to help fight diabetes...

• They will create a new national ambition to improve the uptake of physical activity

• They will set maximum permitted levels of sugar, sat and fat in foods marketed towards children

The Conservatives

• Aim to Increase NHS spending by £10 billion over the next 5 years, but they also stated that £8 billion of that would be invested towards the end of their time in parliament (regardless of the fact that the next two years are expected to be a problematic time for the NHS)

• This money is expected to result from a strong economy rather than taxation. Note: that is only IF the economy is strong enough

• They will provide more GPs which will give them the opportunity to develop 'personal' relationships with their patients

And to help fight diabetes...

• They 'hope' to make the UK the first nation to implement a national, evidence-based diabetes prevention programme, attempting to prevent health problems before they start by investing more in primary care

• They will continue to invest in physical activity, recognising its benefits to health and the prevention of diabetes

• They will take action to reduce childhood obesity by promoting clear food information

The Liberal Democrats

• They aim to increase real terms NHS funding by at least £8 billion a year (yes, a year!) by 2020. Hmm, we’re not sure that is very realistic...

• They wish to shift to a joined up, much more integrated NHS with the interest of its patients at its centre

And to help fight diabetes...

• They would encourage evidence-based 'social prescribing' of sport to help tackle obesity 

• They would build more cycle routes and open up sports facilities to promote physical activity

• They would restrict the marketing of junk food to children - banning such TV adverts before 9pm - and maintain the 'Five a Day' campaign

(Flickr: Alisha Vargas) 

What will the future hold for the NHS?

While the UK prides itself on a strong and efficient NHS compared to many other countries, there is always the opportunity to improve it further. And with the 7th May approaching rapidly, the hope for change and improvement is mounting.

Will the next five years change how we view the NHS today? Will we have turned the tide on diabetes, with more effective and consistent prevention and treatment across the UK? Fingers crossed!