Prescriptions for diabetes accounted for more than 9% of prescription costs for 2011/12, official figures have shown.
According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), the number of diabetes prescriptions increased by 56% between 2005/06 and 2012/13, costing the NHS an additional £15.6 million.
In 2012/13 alone, there were 42.5 million items prescribed, at a net ingredient cost of £764.1 million.
Prescriptions for diabetes accounted for more than 9% of prescription costs for 2011/12, official figures have shown.
According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), the number of diabetes prescriptions increased by 56% between 2005/06 and 2012/13, costing the NHS an additional £15.6 million.
In 2012/13 alone, there were 42.5 million items prescribed, at a net ingredient cost of £764.1 million.
Since 2007/8, diabetes drugs have cost more than any other drugs prescribed in England.
In the report, HSCIC states: “Diabetes is a high profile clinical area, as the prevalence is increasing and costs associated with treating patients with diabetes are also increasing.
“A range of new treatments have reached the UK market over the last few years which has had an impact on patterns of prescribing and cost.”
More information is available on the HSCIC website.
