Rate of diabetes complications drops greatly in the US

[DCUK NewsBot]

Data from the USA shows that rates of serious diabetes complications have fallen significantly since 1990. The researchers gathered data from health databases and large scale national health surveys and compared the differences in the number of major diabetes complications between 1990 and 2010. The following decreases were observed: 68% drop in heart attacks 64% drop in deaths from hyperglycemic crisis – includes ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state 53% drop risks of strokes 51% drop in lower-limb amputations 28% drop in cases end stage renal disease - kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant It is difficult to say which factors had the most influence on the drops in rates of complications but improved diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, including the increased availability of affordable home blood glucose monitors, are likely to be major factors. Whilst the results show that rates of diabetic complications amongst people with diabetes are falling, the rising number of people that have developed diabetes, within the 20 year comparison period, means that total numbers of most of these complications has actually increased. The notable exception to this is in the number of heart attacks, which actually decreased despite the rising prevalence of diabetes.

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