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People with diabetes are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from depression and yet very few receive the professional psychological support they need, according to new research from Diabetes UK.

Access to emotional and psychological support is one of the '15 Healthcare Essentials' €“ the vital checks and services that should be offered to everyone with diabetes.

However, the survey of 3,845 people with diabetes found that more than two thirds (68 per cent) of those who had needed support for a mental health problem had not received it.

Following the findings, the charity is calling on clinical commissioning groups to ensure that pyschological support services are available to all people with diabetes who need them. 

The call has been backed by England rugby players Chris Pennell and Henry Slade along with footballer Chris Pennell, all of whom have type 1 diabetes.

Chris Pennell, who has played for England and is the current captain of Worcester Warriors, was 19 when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He said: €People in sport often talk about a match being a war or a battle. But sometimes the biggest battles can be off the pitch, particularly when living with diabetes.

"That's why I'm supporting Diabetes UK's call for more psychological and emotional help to be offered to all people with diabetes, whatever type. It's one of the 15 essential checks and services that people with diabetes should be receiving every year from the NHS.€

Diabetes UK is also highlighting the fact that improved access to emotional support can help save NHS costs by helping patients to better self-manage their condition and avoid devastating complications, such as blindness, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and amputation.

As well as increased rates of depression, people with diabetes are at greater risk of anxiety and eating disorders, which can all lead to poorer diabetes self-management.

Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: €People with diabetes tell us that coping with your condition every hour of every day can be stressful and overwhelming. It can feel very isolating as so few people understand what it's all about. But we know that getting the right emotional support can make a huge difference and can improve people's mental health as well as helping improve their physical health outcomes."