Reasons for non‐urgent referral to a hospital diabetic clinic and the potential unmet need

In a survey of 56 consecutive, non‐urgent referrals to a hospital diabetic clinic, the majority (57%) were because of unsatisfactory glycaemic control. Non‐urgent referrals of patients with ‘at‐risk’ feet (n = 6) were fewer than urgent referrals or admissions for acute foot problems (n = 11). There were very few referrals for proteinuria (n = 1) or dyslipidaemia, and none for inadequately controlled hypertension. There were only two (3.6%) referrals which were considered inappropriate. Extrapolation from these results, and those of a simultaneous district audit of diabetes care, indicates a considerable unmet need for referral for specialist care which, if implemented, would result in a three‐fold increase in non‐urgent referrals.