Diabetes deaths treble as NHS checks missed

DEATHS from diabetes tripled this year as experts warn patients are missing vital check-ups due to the crippling NHS backlog.

Between January and March, an excess of 1,461 sufferers died, up from 456 last year.

Total excess deaths from the disease since January last year hit 8,586, according to Diabetes UK. That is up on what was expected.

The charity said 1.9 million patients are not getting routine checks that can stop killer conditions.

The charity’s chief executive Chris Askew OBE added: “Routine care can be lifesaving, and help prevent complications such as amputations, strokes and heart disease.

“Yet far too many people are being left to go it alone, with alarming numbers of checks missed or delayed. “Health professionals are just too stretched to provide the time and personalised support that is required and it’s having a catastrophic impact.

“The Government must commit to tackling this diabetes care crisis.”

Just 47% of diabetes patients in England received all eight of their required checks in 2021/22. They include blood sugar levels and eye tests. Anthony Parker, from Berkshire, is living with type 1 diabetes.

Since 2020 the 44-year-old has had appointments repeatedly cancelled and now suffers from retinopathy, a serious condition in the back of the eye that can lead to blindness. Anthony said: “I believe the lack of support contributed to it.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said: “Our Major Conditions Strategy will help to reduce pressure on the NHS.”

8,586 Excess deaths of people with diabetes since January 2022