UK Diabetes Timebomb needs to be Averted

Thu, 30 Jun 2011
Many thousands of diabetics, including young people, could experience severe complications and considerable hospital care in the not so distant future, according to a recent NHS report.

The National Diabetes Audit 2010 for England and Wales highlighted that approximately 800,000 people have too high blood sugar levels which could trigger serious health problems, such as, strokes, kidney failure and limb amputation .

The report warned that type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are increasing, with the most affected being middle aged and younger people.

Nearly 300,000 children and under-54 diabetics have blood sugar levels so high that they are at high risk of complications.

The report also highlights that children and young diabetics are more likely to be obese than older people, triggering further health risks.

There are already 2.5 million type 2 diabetics in the UK, with a million more considered to have the condition.

Deprived areas have witnessed an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and unhealthy living.

Another 300,000 individuals are type 1 diabetes, which normally develops in childhood.

A quarter of diabetics are children and something needs to be done to prevent an explosion of this condition.

Should the risk of developing this condition be averted then future disability and shorter longevity could be prevented.

The research discovered that diabetics did not get the basic checks necessary to control high blood sugar levels. Those aged under 54 were less likely than those aged 55 to 69 to receive such checks.

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