Nearly three-quarters of teenagers and young people in England and Wales with diabetes are not receiving all the health checks they need, suggests new research.

The audit, carried out by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, revealed that just 25.4 per cent of children and young people aged 12-24 receive all seven annual checks outlined in NICE guidelines, including blood pressure, kidney function and eye health tests. However, it also found that the number of youngsters getting all seven checks, achieving target blood glucose levels and reducing their risk of future complications is increasing.

Bridget Turner, Diabetes UK director of policy and care improvement, said: “It is essential that local services continue on their improvement journey, working with and supporting children and young people with type one diabetes and their parents and carers  to be fully engaged in their care.”