Perceptions of users and carers in supporting diabetes care: practical guidance,support and information for carers

One of the difficulties older people often face is being treated as bits of chronic health problems, illnesses and illness symptoms instead of being viewed as individuals with the same needs, desires and rights as any other age or service user group. Although diabetes services have improved over the past decade, and recognise that service users and their carers with the right support are able to manage their diabetes, many people with diabetes still report that they do not have a voice in the actual planning of their care [2, 3]. Diabetes is not just a condition of old age but, because type 2 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, there are particular issues relating to support and care that are more relevant to older people with diabetes and their carers