DIABETICS in Hounslow are not having vital check-ups which could help prevent them going blind, according to a new map of healthcare in the UK.

The borough falls into the lowest of five bands when it comes to the percentage of people with Type 2 diabetes – by far the most common form of the disease – getting annual examinations.

The assessments, which include blood pressure and eye tests, help prevent complications developing which can lead to blindness or the loss of limbs.

Health trusts across the UK were rated on a variety of factors in the NHS Atlas of Variation, published on Monday.

The government-produced map, which highlights discrepancies in levels of care throughout England, was based on statistics from January 2009 to March last year.

Hounslow scored highly when it came to the percentage of Type 1 diabetics receiving check-ups. It also had one of the lowest rates of diabetics needing major lower limb amputations.

Diabetes UK chief executive Barbara Young said: “People with diabetes need and deserve to receive high-quality care, regardless of where they live.

“This is important for individuals and vital if the NHS is not going to go under in the rising tide of cost of expensive complications that result from basic standards of care not being delivered.”

Nearly 15,000 people in Hounslow have diabetes, it has been estimated by Diabetes UK.

The health maps were published in the same week a National Diabetes Audit report suggested 24,000 deaths a year could be avoided by improving treatment for the condition.

However, that survey showed mortality rates in Hounslow for people with Type 2 diabetes were significantly lower than those in the rest of the country.

NHS North West London, which is responsible for healthcare in Hounslow, has launched new Saturday morning eye clinics for diabetics at the Heart of Hounslow health centre.

Mike Robinson, Hounslow’s director of public health, said: “Regular screening of the sight of people suffering from diabetes is essential, in order to avoid the permanent loss of sight – a major risk for anyone suffering from this disease.

“The additional clinics have been requested by GPs in Hounslow to ensure it is easy and convenient for people to have their eyes screened.”

l The clinics will be held on January 28, February 25, and March 10. Registered diabetics can arrange an appointment at one of the clinics through their GP or by calling 020 3313 6070.