Dentist and Health Care Experts Alarmed by Shocking Diabetes Report
A report, which revealed that diabetes could bankrupt the NHS within the next 20 years, has shocked dentists and public health experts.
The Impact Diabetes report, which was published in the Diabetic Medicine journal, revealed that the NHS will spend more than a sixth of the total health budget on diabetes by 2035. Currently, the disease accounts for 10 percent of spending, but the number of cases is increasing year on year.
The most alarming news is that adopting healthy lifestyle choices can prevent the majority of complications. Many cases are directly related to diet and experts have criticised the NHS for failing to prevent complications arising from diabetes. The report shows that up to four fifths of the money spent on diabetes is directed towards complications such as nerve damage, dental problems, kidney failure and amputations.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health has urged greater focus on prevention by encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise and frequent health checks.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that the report is very worrying, as patients with diabetes have a much higher risk of developing oral health problems. He added that the report emphasises the need for better health education and preventative treatment.
Dr Carter also insisted that diabetic patients must take responsibility for their health and ensure that they take steps to regulate their blood sugar and prevent complications.
Diabetes is heavily linked to lifestyle choices and people should be aware of the implications of a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and drinking and smoking so that they can make well-informed decisions.
Join this Discussion
