18% of prisoners, over 16,000 people, have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, according to figures released. Back in 2020 there were just 7,600, but the number is still lower than in 2022, and also 2023 when the total was close to 19,000.
However the statistics revealed that there was a large increase of 135% in the percentage of particularly vulnerable over 75s in prison suffering from the problem with the same increase in the 45-54 years old. The percentage of 18 to 24 years old suffering had in fact reduced since 2020, the only age group where this had occurred.
Throughout the year, Independent Monitoring Boards have complained about the quality and variety of food served in jails warning of the impact on health, and highlighted that those in jail are compensating for the sparse quantities being served by filling themselves up with bread and snacks, which impacts on their health.
The number of those given the prescription drug Ozempic, distributed by injection, has stabilised at around 400 a year, down from 575 in 2023. This is an expensive treatment costing the NHS £73.25 per prescription with the total expenditure on those in prison over 5 years being nearly £130,000, but is considered safe and effective. However due to the cost, the Government are reviewing its use for the general public nationally and considering alternatives that will be less expensive but equally safe and efficient.
The Government have said that prison food must be in line with NHS Calorie targets, but Lucy Vincent of the group Food Behind Bars who want time and resources spent on encouraging those inside to grow their own fruit and vegetables and learn about health lifestyles has expressed doubts.
She said: “You cannot expect someone to come out and live a healthy life style if they don’t know how to eat well and come out in poor health. Prison is an opportunity to improve their diet.”
Listen to Victoria Breeden explaining the use of Ozempic and discussing the ethical and practical issues around its use.