New plan to improve care for diabetes patients across Cardiff and Vale
26 March 2025
A major new evaluation has identified how services for people living with type 2 diabetes can be improved across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has worked closely with health economists at the Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation (CHEME) at Bangor University, along with a panel of health experts and patients, to identify current diabetes services and decide where funding should be focused to have the biggest impact in future.
Patients with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other health conditions. Due largely to obesity trends in the population, people are also developing diabetes at a younger age.
With the number of diabetes cases rising across Wales, there is an urgent need to invest in better prevention and care. If current trends continue, around one in 11 adults in Wales could be living with diabetes by 2035, putting an immense strain on NHS services.
After months of research and consultation with diabetes specialists, healthcare providers, and patient representatives, six priority areas for investment were identified in the evaluation. Using Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis (PBMA) methods, the top recommendations are:
1. More diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) in the community – Nurses would help patients review their medications, improve treatment plans, and reduce unnecessary prescriptions.
2. Expansion of the All-Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme – The programme should be extended to more GP surgeries, helping people at risk of diabetes to make lifestyle changes that prevent the disease.
3. Specialist diabetes nurses in peri-operative care in hospitals – More nurses need to be trained to support people with diabetes before and after surgery, reducing complications and hospital stays.
4. More space for community diabetes services – New clinical spaces need to be created to provide easier access to diabetes care in community settings.
5. Better education for children and young people – A structured programme would help children and young people with type 2 diabetes, and their families, understand diabetes and manage it effectively.
6. Exercise support for people at risk of diabetes – More exercise professionals would help people adopt healthy habits and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Professor Rhiannon Tudor Edwards, a health economics expert at Bangor University, said: “By focusing on prevention and high-quality care, we can reduce the long-term impact of diabetes on people’s lives and on NHS resources. Investing in these key preventative areas will not only improve patient outcomes, but also help relieve pressure on healthcare services. This is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and effective approach to diabetes care.”
The Health Board is now working to implement these changes and ensure that diabetes services in Cardiff and Vale are more effective, accessible, and patient-focused.
To read the report in full, please visit the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board website.