A recent analysis has revealed that 500 individuals in England and Wales succumb to premature mortality from diabetes each week. Many of the deaths arise from complications of diabetes and are avoidable. The findings come from the latest NHS National Diabetes Audit report on complications and mortality.
The report indicates that individuals aged 35-64 years with type 1 diabetes have a 3- to 4-fold higher likelihood of dying prematurely than those without the condition. Individuals with type 2 diabetes in the same age group have a 2-fold higher risk for premature mortality.
Stroke and cardiovascular disease are the most common complications of diabetes responsible for premature mortality. Others such as amputations, vision loss, kidney disease could also have devastating implications. Many of these are preventable if individuals are supported to effectively manage their condition.
The Diabetes Transformation Fund has invested >£80 million across England since 2017 towards improving diabetes care received by patients and self-management of the condition. Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said: "If we want to reduce the number of people with diabetes dying early and unnecessarily the investment and work started in 2017 needs to be continued."
