Choice for diabetes patients disappearing

2.34.15pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Aug 2005

Some of Stockport's 4,000 diabetes sufferers are at risk following the discontinuation of some insulin products, according to local MP, Andrew Stunell. His fears are backed by the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust who say that the cut backs will harm patient's choice.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"Diabetes affects over 2% of the population of the UK. Thousands of people across Stockport have diagnosed diabetes, and thousands more may have it but not be diagnosed yet.

"One of the insulin manufacturers is discontinuing some of their GM 'human' insulin products. Some diabetics need animal insulin and will have to change from using an insulin that suits them. Choices of treatment should not be affected by commercial pressures."

Now Mr Stunell is urging diabetes sufferers affected by the cut backs to get in touch.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. Andrew Stunell MP can be contacted at: Liberal Democrat Headquarters

68a Compstall Road

Romiley

Stockport

SK6 4DE

Tel: 0161 4067070

2. For more details of the issues, see: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/infocentre/fact/fact2.htm

3. The Stockport diabetes voluntary support group can be contacted at n.west@diabetes.org.uk.