Some 23 per cent of CCGs do not have integrated mental and physical health services in their area, according to a freedom of information request that was made to inform Diabetes UK’s ‘It’s missing: emotional and mental health support’ campaign.

After speaking to over 25,000 people, Diabetes UK also found that seven out of 10 people have felt overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes and three quarters of people with diabetes can’t get the emotional and mental health support they need. 

Based on the findings, the researchers at Diabetes UK suggested some UK-wide recommendations moving forward in its Too often missing report. This included the suggestion of an integrated care pathway for diabetes and emotional and psychological wellbeing to be developed and implemented across the UK. And that all healthcare professionals providing general diabetes care have the training and skills to identify and support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of people affected by diabetes.

Helen Kirrane, head of policy and campaigns at Diabetes UK, said: “Failing to treat mental health problems and long-term health conditions together can have a devastating impact on a person’s overall health and quality of life.”

“Every area should be providing integrated support to make it easier for people to look after their physical health and get the right support for their mental health,” she added.