Surge in diabetes drug prescriptions for Scots as number of people with the disease continues to rise

The number of Scots with diabetes requiring medication to treat their condition has increased by 15 per cent in just four years, new figures from Public Health Scotland have revealed.

Diabetes prescriptions in Scotland are at an all-time high, with 4 million tablets dispensed at a cost of £127.5 million last year.

This represents an increase of more than 236,000 prescriptions compared to last year.

The important data comes amid growing concern about the number of Scots diagnosed with the disease, with John Kinnear, national director of Diabetes Scotland, telling the Mail in 2023 that the country was “in the grip of an escalating diabetes crisis”.

The charity estimates that 1.1 million Scots are now at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, citing age, genetics, weight and lifestyle as possible reasons for the figure.

Their annual survey into 2023 also found that there are around 340,000 people with diabetes in Scotland, an increase of almost 23,000 since 2020/21.

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become too high. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin, while type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or insulin is not adequately recognized by the body’s cells.

The NHS currently offers several drug options to treat this condition, including insulin, metformin, sucphonylurea and a variety of weight loss drugs.

However, concerns have recently been raised about the availability of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, in particular with global supply shortages caused, at least in part, by a surge in off-label prescriptions for the weight loss drug semaglutide. as well as a drug for weight loss. Ozempic.

Amid concerns raised by health professionals that Scottish diabetics are at risk without treatment, people living with type 2 diabetes could be offered Munjaro if they are unable to access Ozempic, Tulicity or other GLP-1 medicines.

It is hoped that prescription shortages will ease towards the end of 2024 and into 2025.

In response to the rise in diabetes prescriptions in Scotland, Kinnear said: “The number of people living with diabetes has been rising in recent years, so we expect to see an increase in spending on diabetes prescriptions in Scotland.

“Diabetes medicines are vital because some people need insulin to live, and other medicines can help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart, foot and eye diseases.

“This also includes access to diabetes technology such as glucose monitors and insulin pumps.

“Although some medicines are expensive, more than half of Scotland’s current NHS spending on diabetes is on treating complications.

“It is therefore an important investment not only for the well-being of people living with diabetes, but also for preventing future serious health problems.”

“Proper care for people living with diabetes can save limbs, sight and lives, and reduce NHS costs over time.”

Scottish Conservative MP Edward Mountain said: “It is hugely worrying that so many Scots require medication for their diabetes.

“Many of them will be living with diabetes through no fault of their own. But it is well known that the overall incidence of diabetes can indicate other health and lifestyle problems.

“This will place enormous strain on the NHS and limit the quality and length of life of people across the country.

“The Scottish Government needs to do more to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, and provide adequate funding for those who need treatment.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are focused on prevention and early intervention to reduce people’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes and work closely with NHS boards to provide effective services for those at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. “

“Prescribing decisions are made taking into account the recommendations and medical history of the person.

“We recommend that all medications are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain the best option for the individual.”