A new report from leading charity Diabetes UK has found that nearly one-third of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths in England occur in people living with diabetes.
The analysis, based on data from the National Diabetes Audit, reveals that 29% of the 144,590 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2022 were in people with diabetes.
This marks a dramatic increase from 2009, when the proportion was just 15%.
Diabetes driving heart failure, stroke and heart attacks
The report paints a stark picture of the burden of diabetes on cardiovascular health.
Each week in England alone, diabetes is responsible for an estimated 812 strokes, 568 heart attacks, and 2,909 cases of heart failure.
An estimated 5.8 million people across the UK are currently living with diabetes – around 90% of whom have type 2 diabetes.
Despite this growing public health crisis, the report shows that in 2023–24, just 61.3% of people with diabetes received all of their recommended care processes, such as foot checks, HbA1c monitoring, and kidney function assessments.
More than a third missed at least one of these vital checks.
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Economic impact
Diabetes is already placing a significant financial strain on the NHS.
The UK currently spends around £10.7 billion each year on diabetes care, a figure projected to rise to £18 billion by 2035 if action is not taken.
Call for Government action
Diabetes UK is urging the government to ensure that diabetes is prioritised within its forthcoming 10-year health mission. The charity is calling for a firm commitment to reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease by 25%, and for transparent metrics to track progress.
Colette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said:
“Diabetes should not be a gateway to poor health – but right now, this is the grim reality for millions of people. We know that diabetes is fuelling preventable and devastating health outcomes, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“The government must integrate diabetes into its long-term health strategy. We already have the evidence and tools to improve outcomes. What’s needed now is the political will to act – so that no life is needlessly lost to diabetes.”
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Expert perspective
Professor Kamlesh Khunti, an expert in diabetes and cardiovascular medicine at the University of Leicester, added: “This report highlights just how vital it is to manage cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. We have clear evidence that effective management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose can significantly reduce complications and extend life.
“Yet one in three people still miss out on the essential care they should be receiving. This is unacceptable, especially given the therapies we now have that can also protect against heart and kidney disease in type 2 diabetes.”
