THE lack of advice for diabetics is putting lives at risk, according to a study in the region.

Researchers in Darlington compared two groups of patients with type-two diabetes over 12 months.

The group which was continually monitored and offered advice was less likely to suffer a hypoglycaemic attack and less likely to be admitted to hospital than the group managed in the standard way.

A team of pharmacists, nurses and doctors, supported by Darlington Memorial Hospital, carried out the research, which was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Harrogate.

Pharmacist Labib Tadros, who led the research, said: "This study confirms the importance of helping people manage their diabetes effectively."

He said it was a condition which could cause serious health problems and even death, adding that there was "a clear need for improvement" in care.

Debbie Hammond, diabetes care advisor for Diabetes UK, said: "Many people with diabetes do not know how to manage their condition and are dissatisfied with the lack of education provided by health care teams.

"The Audit Commission has shown that the NHS is not currently providing people with diabetes with the tools and support to manage their own diabetes."