OBESITY EPIDEMIC IN SCOTS HOSPITALS
New crisis on the wards as over 100 beds are occupied by diabetes sufferers EVERY DAY
SCOTLAND’S obesity epidemic is fuelling an NHS crisis as more than 100 hospital beds a day are needed for diabetes sufferers. New figures have revealed a soaring level of care is required to care for those affected. Experts say one in 25 Scots has been diagnosed with the metabolic disorder, which is directly linked to obesity and lack of exercise.
Campaigners have warned that the country’s ‘major public health’ problem of obesity is driving up the numbers of people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
and they have claimed that without radical action from the Scottish Government the number of those suffering will continue to rise.
New government figures show that 37,093 hospital bed days were taken by those suffering from a diabetesrelated illness last year. this means around 101 hospital beds were used by diabetics, with either type 1 or type 2, every day across Scotland.
the total has soared from 2010/11 when only 34,807 hospital bed days
were required to treat people suffering from the disease.
Over five years, the figure fluctuated slightly before a dramatic rise from 34,533 in 2014/15 to the 37,093 figure in 2015/16 – the most recent statistic available.
Fears have been raised over the significant pressure this is putting on the country’s already stretched health system.
The information was unveiled after Scottish Conservative MSP Finlay Carson submitted a question to the Scottish Government asking how many hospital bed days had been taken by those suffering from diabetes.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell responded with a breakdown showing the soaring rise over the last six years.
Yesterday Mr Carson stressed the alarming scale of the situation and called on the Scottish Government to do more
‘One of the highest obesity rates’
to tackle the epidemic. He said: ‘This is the latest statistic which reveals the extent of Scotland’s obesity crisis.
‘Of course, not every diabetic patient is suffering from the condition because of diet or lifestyle.
‘But the increase indicates the scale of the problem nationwide.
‘Obesity is becoming Scotland’s major public health challenge, and the Scottish Government needs to work harder to ensure people of all ages are living healthier lifestyles.’
People who are obese are seven times more likely to develop diabetes, while those overweight are three times more likely to suffer.
Currently one in 25 people in Scotland has been diagnosed with some form of diabetes. Complications of the condition can lead to lengthy hospital stays for reasons such as strokes, amputations and problems with eyesight.
However, some are admitted to wards if they cannot manage their symptoms and medication correctly.
And experts say without radical action from the Scottish Government to address the growing problem pressure will continue to build on health services as more people suffer from obesity and weight-related illnesses – including diabetes and heart problems.
A spokesman for Obesity Action Scotland said: ‘We know globally the increase in obesity has led to an increase in health conditions associated with this including diabetes.
‘Ninety per cent of people who have type 2 are overweight and obese, and in Scotland around 65 per cent of people are overweight.
‘In Scotland we have one of the highest obesity rates in the world, and while this has been steady for a number of years it does bring with it a significant number of health problems and challenges. The biggest challenge we have in tackling this is changing the environment people are around every day and encouraging them to be healthier. Diet is the biggest factor in this.
‘But this will be a long process, and we need to start doing something now.’
The figures have been revealed after a damning government report revealed just 11 per cent of ten and 11-year-olds in Scotland are getting enough exercise – with fears this could lead to a generation of overweight youngsters.
And earlier this year research found that 28 per cent of Scottish children are classed as overweight or obese, in what was described as an ‘appalling’ record on child health.
Yet another report suggested that the country’s obesity problem is so severe it has become the ‘norm’ for people to be overweight to the point of illness.
Miss Campbell said: ‘We are committed to tackling Scotland’s obesity problems and will consult on our new diet and obesity strategy this year, building on our wide range of activity to make it easier for people to be more active and adopt healthier diets.
‘While there is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes and we do not know its causes, we do know that it isn’t linked to lifestyle. As well as being linked to age there is also a well-established link between type 2 diabetes and obesity.’