Rise in kidney problems for diabetics

Thu, 17 Jun 2010
A report by the National Diabetes Audit has revealed a 20 per cent increase in kidney failure for those suffering from diabetes . The report showed that, between 2003 and 2009, there was a 20 per pent rise in diabetics needing a kidney transplant or dialysis, and also that a third of those with diabetes did not have their urine tested, a crucial factor in identifying the early signs of kidney disease .

It was also found that half of people with diabetes had failed to meet their blood pressure targets, while more than a third had poor blood glucose control. This latter can indicate a high risk of future problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, blindness and amputation . Poor blood glucose control was also found to be more prevalent in younger people with diabetes.

As part of the annual review for those with diabetes management, there are nine key tests that should be carried out. However, only a third of people with type 1 diabetes and about a half of those with type 2 diabetes had all the necessary tests. For the 16–39 age group, just 20 per cent with type 1 diabetes, and 35 per cent with type 2 diabetes, undertook all checks.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, commented "There is little good news from this latest audit. Well over two thirds of people with Type 1 diabetes and half of people with Type 2 diabetes in England and Wales are missing out on checks that in real terms translate into preventing blindness or lower limb loss, and extending life expectancy through the prevention of kidney failure, stroke and heart disease."

Link to this page

Copy and Paste the following HTML into your page.
Share Us
Follow Us