Diabetes weighing heavy on NHS wards

The increasing number of people struggling to cope with diabetes is becoming a drain on NHS resources, according to doctors.

It has been widely reported that a fifth of NHS hospital patients in the UK are currently suffering from the condition, which is placing a great strain on public trusts.

Jenny Hirst, co-chairman of the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust, suggested that diabetic patients need improved education on managing their illness if the UK is to cope with the growing epidemic.

Commenting on the devastating effects of delayed treatment, she warned: "There has been information about the increase in amputations, which is a complication of diabetes.

"We find that very worrying, people aren't getting access to foot care early enough because early detection can prevent some of the amputations that take place."

Diabetes UK reports that there are currently more than 2.6 million people with the chronic disease nationwide and a further half a million who are living with the symptoms yet remain undiagnosed.

Including both adults and children, it is estimated that 15 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1, while 85 per cent suffer from type 2.

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