The number of diabetic Scots needing medication to help manage their condition has increased by 15 per cent in just four years, new Public Health Scotland data has revealed.
Scottish prescription rates for diabetes are at an all-time high, with 4 million pills handed out over the last year at a cost of £127.5 million.
This marks an increase of more than 236,000 prescriptions alone from the year before.
The significant data comes amid growing concerns regarding the number of Scottish individuals diagnosed with the condition, with John Kinnear, national director at Diabetes Scotland, telling the Mail in 2023 that the country was ‘in the grip of an escalating diabetes crisis.’
The charity estimated that 1.1 million Scots are currently at a high risk of developing type two diabetes, citing age, genetics, weight and lifestyle as possible reasons for this figure.
Insulin is one of the medicines used by people with diabetes in Scotland
Their annual survey in 2023 also found there to be approximately 340,000 people living with diabetes in Scotland, an increase by nearly 23,000 since 2020/21.
Diabetes is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels become too high. Type one diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, whilst type two diabetes is when the body cannot produce enough insulin, or insulin is not adequately recognised by the body’s cells.
Several medication options are currently available on the NHS to help treat the condition, including Insulin, Metformin, Sukphonylureas and a multitude of weight loss medications.
However, recent concerns have been raised about the availability of drugs used to treat type-2 diabetes in particular, with a global shortage in supply caused, at least in part, by a surge in off-label prescriptions of weight loss drug Semaglutide, alongside Ozempic.
Amidst fears voiced by medical professionals that Scottish diabetics are at risk without treatment, those living with type 2 diabetes can be offered Mounjaro if they are unable to access Ozempic, Tulicity or other GLP-1 medications.
It is hoped the prescription scarcity will ease by the end of 2024 and going into 2025.
In response to the rising numbers of Scottish diabetic prescription rates, Kinnear said: ‘The number of people living with diabetes has been rising over recent years, so we would expect to see this increase in spending on prescriptions for diabetes medication in Scotland.
‘Medications for diabetes are vital, as some people require insulin to live, and other medications can help reduce the risk of longer-term complications, such as heart, foot and eye disease.
‘This also includes access to diabetes technology like glucose monitors and insulin pumps.
‘Whilst some medications are expensive, more than half of NHS Scotland’s current spending on diabetes is on the treatment of complications.
‘This is, therefore, an important investment, not only for the wellbeing of people living with diabetes, but also to help prevent future serious health issues.
‘Getting the right care for people living with diabetes can save limbs, sight and lives and, over time, reduce costs to the NHS.’
Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said: ‘It’s hugely worrying that so many more Scots require medication for diabetes.
‘Many of these will be living with diabetes through no fault of their own. But it’s well-known that the overall rate of diabetes can be indicative of other health and lifestyle issues.
‘This will be placing an immense strain on the NHS, and limits life quality and expectancy for people across the country.
‘The Scottish Government needs to ensure more effort goes into encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, and that adequate funding is in place for those who need treatment.’
Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said the figures are ‘worrying’
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government said: ‘We are focused on prevention and early intervention to reduce people’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are working closely with NHS boards to deliver effective services for those at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
‘Prescribing decisions are made by taking into account guidance and the individuals medical history.
‘We recommend all medications be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain the best option for the individual.’
