BLACKBURN with Darwen is providing the best pioneering care for diabetes sufferers in the country.

A survey of all 152 primary care trusts in England by the Medical Technology Group (MTG) found that 17 per cent of patients with type 1 diabetes in the borough benefit from insulin pump therapy, compared to a national average of 3.9 per cent, and a NICE benchmark of 12 per cent.

An insulin pump is an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin.

It consists of a device worn all day usually on the waist with a small needle under the skin that gives patients control over their blood insulin levels so they can manage the condition.

Benefits include improved management of blood glucose levels, which reduces the risk of severe hypoglycaemia, a condition that can cause collapse and coma.

MTG, a coalition of patient groups, research charities and medical manufacturers, carried out the research as part of a ‘Pump Action’ campaign aiming to promote greater use of insulin pumps.

It exposed a postcode lottery with NHS Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust Plus as one of only two trusts providing insulin pumps in line with the NICE benchmark.

Consultant physician Dr Shenaz Ramtoola heads the trust’s work as clinical lead for diabetes and endocrinology at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He said: “We appointed a part time insulin pump therapy nurse who helped audit our service and who has contributed very positively to our efforts.”

The study showed NHS East Lancs had nine per cent of its type 1 diabetes patients receiving the therapy, a figure well above the national average, but below NICE guidelines.

Carrie Locker, NHS East Lancashire commissioning manager for diabetes, said: “Currently in East Lancashire, patients who have a clinical need, who fit the NICE criteria for insulin pump therapy, and have followed patient pathways, are normally offered insulin pump therapy as a treatment option.

“We look forward to building on this success.”