The very poor outcomes for many diabetics is a disgrace.

This post uses the following reference “Diabetes in the UK 2010 – Key Statistics on Diabetes”. Link at bottom of page. [Page xx] refers to the page number xx of the above document.

Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges in the UK today. The UK is facing a huge increase in the number of people with diabetes. In 1996 the number of people diagnosed with diabetes was approximately 1.4 million, in 2009 approximately 2.6 million and by 2025 estimated to be approximately 4 million [Page 3].

The motivation for the post comes from the realisation that if the growing health crisis is to be curbed and the number of people dying from diabetes and its complications is to be reduced then there is a need to increase awareness of the risks involved in not keeping blood glucose levels under control.

IF YOU FIND QUANTITAVE ESTIMATES OF THE RISKS INVOLVED IN NOT KEEPING BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS UNDER CONTROL DISTRESSING, PLEASE DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER, THE ESTIMATES MAKE GRIM READING!Prevalence

Adults: In 2009 there was approximately 2.6 million adults diagnosed with diabetes: approximately 10 % Type 1, 90 % Type 2 [Page 4].

Children: In England in 2009 there was approximately 22000 children diagnosed with diabetes: approximately 97 % Type 1, 1.5 % Type 2 and 1.5 % another type of diabetes [Page 7].

Impacts

Keeping blood glucose levels as near normal as possible can greatly reduce the risks of the following diabetes complications [Page 11].

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): CVD accounts for 44 % of fatalities with Type 1, 52 % in Type 2 [Page 11].

Kidney Disease (nephropathy): Kidney disease accounts for 21 % of fatalities with Type 1, 11 % in Type 2 [Page 12].

Eye Disease (retinopathy): Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness; within 20 years of diagnosis nearly 100 % Type 1 and almost 60 % of Type 2 have some degree of retinopathy [Page 12].

Amputation: Diabetes is the leading cause of lower limb amputations; more than 10 % of foot ulcers result in an amputation; up to 70 % diabetics die within 5 years of having an amputation [Page 12].

Depression: The prevalence of depression is approximately twice as high in diabetics as it is in the general population [Page 13].

Neuropathy: May affect up to 50 % of diabetics [page 13].

Complications In Pregnancy: In order not to increase the stress I have not quoted the relevant statistic. The statistics can be found on [Page 14].

Life Expectancy: Life expectancy is reduced, on average, by more than 20 years for Type 1, up to 10 years for Type 2 [Page 14].

Good Diabetes Management

Research shows that keeping blood glucose levels as near normal as possible, keeping blood pressure well controlled, managing weight and keeping active can greatly reduce the risk of the diabetic complications.

Are those carbs worth it?

John

www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/Diabetes_in_the_UK_2010.pdf