Mismanaged Diabetes 'Killed 24,000'

A report into diabetes mortality has found 24,000 deaths could have been prevented if sufferers had managed their disease better.

The report from the National Diabetes Audit outlined what it described as "shocking statistics" into the death rate among people with diabetes, finding that people with the disease in England die earlier from causes that could have been avoided through "better management of their condition".

The report also discovered that compared to the general population, young people with diabetes aged 15 to 34 had the highest mortality risk. Although the figures were worrying for the age group, Diabetes UK said it did not have enough information to know the causes of these deaths.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “These figures are incredibly alarming as there is no reason why people with diabetes cannot live long and healthy lives if they receive the right care and support to help them manage their conditions.

Ms Young said that self-management was very important, but that it also vital that people with diabetes received the care they need to help them manage their condition in the first place.

'We know that half of people with Type 2 diabetes and more than two thirds of people with Type 1 diabetes are not receiving the care they need to stay healthy, so it is imperative we take action now to stop even more lives being needlessly cut short."

Diabetes UK said that with the right care and support, people with diabetes can, and do, go on to live long and healthy lives.

To reduce their risks of developing life-threatening complications, people with diabetes are advised to self-manage their condition through blood glucose monitoring, eating sensibly, taking medication appropriately, leading a healthy lifestyle and attending all their healthcare appointments.

"Diabetes is a complex condition and people can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the information on what to do. We want people with diabetes, their family and friends to use the 15 healthcare essentials checklist to be aware of what care they should receive."

The 15 point checklist can be viewed on the. Diabetes UK Website.

(DW)