The Swedish Diabetes index 2006, presented today in Stockholm, points to inequalities and weaknesses in Swedish diabetes care county by county.

Best care can be found in the counties of Blekinge and Östergötland. Three times as many diabetics have their feet amputated in the county of Gotland compared to Dalarna. Not one single county follows the National Board of Health and Welfare guidelines stipulating bi-annual eye check ups.

Based on the index outcome Health Consumer Powerhouse's conclusion suggests that counties start screening for diabetes as earlier detection lowers the risk for serious heart conditions and other side effects .

Diabetes index 2006, Score

Blekinge 14 points (out of 21 possible)
Östergötland 14
Dalarna 13
Örebro 13
Värmland 12
Gävleborg 12
Jämtland 11
Jönköping 11
Norrbotten 11
Halland 10
Västerbotten 10
Sörmland 9
Västra Götaland 9
Gotland 8
Kronoberg 8
Skåne 8
Stockholm 8
Uppsala 7
Kalmar 6
Västmanland 6
Västernorrland 2

Swedish diabetes patients can now use the site www.diabetesindex.se to email their county management and suggest concrete improvements of the diabetes care.

The full report can be found on the www.diabetesindex.se website. The index is built from 12 indicators. It will be further developed and updated during 2007-2008.
The report is made possible through an unrestricted research grant from Glaxo Smith Kline Sweden.