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Diabetes rate soars by 60%
ShareIn fact, the figures are so alarming that the NHS (National Health Service) has claimed that any further rises could in fact bankrupt the organisation. And given that between 1997 and 2003 there was a staggering 74 percent increase in diabetes cases in the country, significant steps need to be taken to address the ‘epidemic’.
Charity Diabetes UK released the figures, urging the government to act fast to prevent diabetes cases to spiral even further.
“Over the past decade, the number of people living with diabetes in the UK has increased by over a million” said CEO of Diabetes UK, Barbara Young in quote published in The Independent.
“With a record number of people now living with diabetes in the UK, there is no time to waste – the government must act now.”
Solving the diabetes crises
The question is – what can be done?The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends ‘eight care processes’ for preventing diabetes-related complications such as stroke, heart attack, and amputation.
But Diabetes UK says a third of the population doesn’t receive the eight care processes, which includes blood pressure and blood glucose tests.
Ensuring more people are tested should help stem any further dramatic rises.
On top of that, the message is clear – widespread lifestyle changes are needed to combat the problem. Without sweeping changes in diet and exercise, diabetes cases will only rise. And it’s up to the government – say several health organisations – to fund programs and community initiatives to get the nation’s health on the right track.
“Diabetes already costs the NHS nearly £10bn a year, and 80 per cent of this is spent on managing avoidable complications” says Diabetes UK CEO Barbara Young.
If you’re concerned about diabetes, speak to your health professional about changing your lifestyle for the better.
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