British charity says diabetes cases soar by 60% in past decade

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
Diabetes UK says the number of people with diabetes has soared by nearly 60% and more than 3.3 million British residents have some form of the condition, according to the Charity.
The Charity is naming poor lifestyle choices as a major factor contributing to the rise which has caused blindness and amputations and other complications among those who suffer. Diabetes UK says 90% of the cases are type 2 which are invariable related to poor diet and obesity.
Dr Joan St John, a GP in Brent in north-west London says the condition is so widespread in North West London as to cause her alarm. Up to 135 amputations take place per week across the country she said.
“It’s very noticeable in that not a week goes by that you don’t make a new diagnosis of diabetes, at least one or sometimes two or three; previously that might have been one a month. Unfortunately that historical myth that it is not a serious condition is still retained by some people and you have to dispel that myth. One of the most miserable complications is neuropathy [nerve damage] which can cause a constant nagging, gnawing ache, usually in the legs or feet, and this can be really disturbing and there is no cure for it,” she added.
According to reports medication for diabetes accounted for 10% of the NHS drugs bill while nearly £869m was spent on metformin and insulin, indicative of a stark increase from £514m that was spent 10 years ago on the same drugs.
There is also an increase in type 1 diabetes but reports suggest that the reason for this increase is not quite understood. Meanwhile, without a doubt the blame for the spiralling cases of type 2 diabetes is placed squarely at the feet of obesity and ever expanding waistlines.
“Diabetes already costs the NHS nearly £10bn a year, and 80% of this is spent on managing avoidable complications. So there is huge potential to save money and reduce pressure on NHS hospitals and services through providing better care to prevent people with diabetes from developing devastating and costly complications,” Barbara Young, the chief executive of Diabetes UK.