The major contributor to higher levels of cardiovascular mortality for people with severe mental illness is that they are significantly more likely to have type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to the general population (10-15% vs 5-6% respectively).
It is important to manage type 2 diabetes properly, otherwise it can lead to complications and other health conditions. However, the National Diabetes Audit in primary care (2016-17), showed that people with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes were 10% less likely to undertake a range of self-care tasks to manage their diabetes and were less likely to be prescribed diabetes medications. As a result, they had worse glycaemic control.
Researchers in the ARC’s public health and multimorbidities theme, led by Dr Kirsty Winkley reader in diabetes and primary care at King’s College London, are undertaking a study to develop and test a new model of care for people with severe mental illness (SMI) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to support better management of T2D in this patient group.
The new model of care, known as the PsychOsis and Diabetes Service Model (PODS), is led by a community diabetes specialist nurse, working closely with a physical health nurse and the mental health team at the patient’s general practice. The model will be tested in Lambeth, an area of south London with high levels of serious mental illness, type 2 diabetes and deprivation.
We want to understand more about people in Lambeth with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes and how to better manage this combination of conditions. By the end of the research, we will have preliminary data on whether a dedicated diabetes nurse for people with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes can benefit patients and improve health outcomes
The research will be conducted across two studies :
The researchers will be collaborating with the Lambeth Intermediate Diabetes Care Team, GPs and practice nurses at participating GP practices, and community mental health teams.
The researchers are involving patients throughout the project. Interviews with patients with SMI and T2D have been vital to identifying barriers and facilitators in finding support and self-managing their conditions, and have also informed the design of the new model of care.
This ARC-adopted project is funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing. This projected completed in early 2023. The results will be published later in the year.
