Heart Attacks and Strokes Lead to Hospitalizations of Hundreds of Diabetics Each Week

Figures from the NHS Information Centre suggest that heart attacks and strokes lead to hospitalizations of hundreds of diabetics each week, Diabetes UK has revealed.

The figures were procured from a study of almost 1.5 million diabetics from 2007/08 by the NHS. The data suggests that more than 300 patients were admitted to hospitals with heart attacks and an equal number from strokes.

"Cardiovascular disease is the most common diabetes complication, sadly accounting for at least half of the 70 diabetes-attributable deaths that occur every day," said Diabetes UK Chief Executive, Douglas Smallwood. "Whilst we can't say for certain whether diabetes is the sole contributing factor behind these new figures, we do know from a wealth of previous research that there is a very strong link."

The figures also showed that some 65 patients needed foot or toe amputations while 38 needed total leg amputations. Diabetes UK said it would encourage the NHS to promote the booklet 'Putting Feet First', which emphasized foot care in patients.



Source-Medindia
RAS