Medical research to improve quality of life for diabetes patients

University of Birmingham scientists are carrying out pioneering research which aims to improve care for diabetes patients in south Birmingham where more than 14% of all deaths are related to the condition. Consultants are working with people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to evaluate education and support packages and discover better ways of reaching the community's diverse social and ethnic groups. The study will measure the benefits for those taking part, determine why others are not taking up the care on offer and identify how barriers can be overcome to improve patients' quality of life. Dr Parth Narendran, Diabetes Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "In South Birmingham more than 4% of the population has diabetes and more than 14% of deaths can be attributed to diabetes. This is one of the highest figures in the UK and reflects our high ethnic mix and social deprivation. "We need to assess whether the education available to patients is helpful and whether it is delivered within the right structure. "In particular we will be looking at the uptake by ethnic minorities who are traditionally very hard to reach.