A Report confirming that Diabetes, compared to other diseases, is the

number one health threat in the UK.

Introduction:
In this study, I have researched on the rise of Diabetes, which is at an
alarming rate, compared to other chronic diseases in the UK. I will
add a global context to my study. The rise in Diabetes does not
prevail only in the UK but also other countries mostly developing
nations. Also I have added to my research that if Diabetes is taken
care off, then many patients could be saved from severe
complications like loss of vision, high blood pressure, elevated
cholesterol levels and kidney failure.
The aim of this study is to investigate how patients with Diabetes are
increasing almost four times the rate of rise in patients falling prey to
other diseases. This is mainly due to obesity, which results in Type 2
Diabetes, as we will see ahead.
The reason I have decided to research on this topic was because
Diabetes has become a global problem and it develops various
complications in patients with time. According to a report there are
about 2.9 million patients suffering from Diabetes and if a similar
trend follows, it might hit 5 million by 2050.
Methodology:
I have used the Internet as the main source of my research. I have
taken statistical data from various sites that illustrate how Diabetes
is persistently rising at an alarming rate all across the globe. I have

then added a graph to show that how controlling this situation could
make a difference in the future of the patients.
I have assured to use credible sources to make my research accurate.
Also, it is related to statistical data about a medicine related subject
and I have taken the data from online reports of the Diabetes
organizations. The figures they have are directly taken from the
hospitals and doctors records. Therefore, I am sure that all the
information is genuine.
Presentation and Description of Data:
Figure 1: The Rate of Rise in Diabetes approximately four times the
rate of Rise in Other Diseases.

The graph above shows that rate at which Diabetes is rising four
times the increase in rate of all the different types of Cancers
combined. Between 2006 and 2007, Diabetes was rising at around
3.8 percent and this rate increased to 5.4 during 2009 and 2010.
Whereas, the rate of increase in Cancer was 0.9 percent and rose to
about 1.3 percent as shown above. We can clearly compute that the
difference in rise in rate for Diabetes was 1.6 (5.4-3.8) while for
Cancer the rate was 0.4 (1.3-0.9), which is four times higher.
Therefore, the slope of the chart for Diabetes is four times steeper
than the slope for all the Cancers combined.
Figure 2: Diabetes Rising Globally.

The charts above show the increase in the number of people with
Diabetes in 2000 compared to the estimates predicted for 2030. It is
visible that in developed countries the rise is gradual. The number of
patients in the age group between 20-44 is not rising at all. There is
about increase in the number of patients in the age bracket of 4564. It is predicted that it will rise from about 25 million people to 60
million. There is a relatively greater increase in the number of
patients of the age 65 and above, because of aging population. On the
other hand, for developing nations, it can be seen that the increase in
the number of patients will nearly double in the age group of 20-44.
It is expected to rise from 29 million to 58 million people. The
number of patients from 45 64 is more than twice; there is a rise
from 60 million to approximately 135 million. Also the number of
patients above the age of 65 has risen. It is estimated to rise from 30
million to 90 million, which is almost thrice the number of patients.
There is a drastic change in the increase in the number of patients
across the world and not only in the UK. However, there is a wide
difference between the increase in the number of patients in
developed countries and the increase in the number of patients in
developing countries in all age groups.
Figure 3: Regional Estimates of Prevalence of Diabetes.

The table above shows how Diabetes will be rising at a rapid rate all
across the globe. The respective regions are AFR Africa, EUR
Europe, MENA - Middle East and North Africa, NAC - North American
and Caribbean, SACA South and Central American Region, SEA
South East Asian, WP- Western Pacific. The number of people with
Diabetes is estimated to rise 98.1 percent in Africa, as we can see it
will rise from 12.1 million patients to 23.9 million patients of the
respective total populations, which is almost twice. Similarly, the
number of patients is expected to rise in Europe by about 20.0
percent. By calculation, we can see the increase in the number of
patients will be 11.1 million (66.5-55.4). Therefore, taking the change
upon the original figure will give us the percentage change. That is,
(11.1 /55.4)*100, which will give us 20 percent. The rise in the
Middle East and North African region is also very high which is
second at rank after the African region. The least number of patients
will rise in the European region compared to the other regions,
mainly developing regions that include the Middle East region, the

African region, the South American region and the South Asian
region. Yet, it is a warning for the population in the UK.
The graph below relates to the Table 1.

Figure 4: The number of people that could be saved from vision loss.

The graph above shows that if precautionary measures are taken,

about 2246 people can be saved from severe vision loss. In the initial
years the number of patients losing vision due to complications
caused by Diabetes will still be rising that is in the years between
2010 and 2020, it is estimated that 10300 people will lose vision
instead of 10500 people. However, in the long run by 2030, 10500
people will lose vision instead of 12750 people. Therefore, we can
see that the rate of increment in the patients losing vision will fall.
The number is expected to rise from 9250 patients to 12750, which is

3500 patients. This is an approximately 38 percent increase

((3500/9250)*100). However if precautionary measures are taken, a
change is expected, as 1250 patients (10500-9250) will suffer from
loss of vision. This is an increase of 13.5 percent ((1250/9250)*100.
Over the years, although the number of people with vision loss will
rise, the rate will have fallen compared to the total number of
patients with Diabetes and therefore about 2250 people will have
been saved, had care not been taken.
COMMENTARY AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA AND RESULTS:
I will now discuss the relevance of these statistics. These graphs
show how Diabetes Mellitus has been increasing four times the rate
of other chronic diseases and the estimation of the rate of increase in
the future.
Figure 1 showed the relative slopes from the period of 2006 to 2010.
It clearly depicted the difference in the rate of increase by the relative
slopes of Diabetes compared to other diseases. Also at the same time,
the prevalence of coronary heart diseases is at a constant high.
Diabetes leads to various complications and heart diseases is one of
the consequence. Therefore, the graph is evidence that due to the
accelerating rate of Diabetes, coronary heart diseases are not
reducing but remain stagnant.
Figure 2 showed that this challenge is not being faced just in the UK
but it is a global phenomenon. Diabetes is at rise globally and will
follow a similar trend to 2030. The increase in number of patients in
developing countries is mainly in the young population, that is
juvenile Diabetes. Whereas the increase is the number of patients in
developed countries is mainly at the age of 65 and above because of

the aging population. The number of people in the age bracket 20-44
is expected to remain constant as precautionary measures are being
taken to control Diabetes. While the number of patients is increasing
in the developing nations drastically because of lack of awareness in
the population, stress, less availability of medical facilities and
professional doctors in remote areas, sedentary lifestyle, diet control
and obesity.
Figure 3 illustrates the prevalence of Diabetes in various regions
across the globe. The greatest increase in the number of patients is in
African and in the Middle Eastern regions while the least increase is
in Europe. As it can be analyzed that Diabetes is increasing at a
considerably higher rate in developing nations compared to
developed regions as developed nations that are better equipped to
take hold of the situation.
Figure 4 showed that if action is taken, the situation could be faced
more positively. In the future; a large number of patients can be
saved who could otherwise possibly lose vision due to Diabetes.
Conclusion:
By assessing all the data that I have collected, it can be said that
Diabetes is rising at a very high rate persistently, mainly in
developing nations because of unawareness and the inability to
provide adequate health facilities. Also other factors like stress,
genetic susceptibility, consumption of a high carbohydrate diet and
lack of physical activities, such as exercise and sports contribute to
the causation of Diabetes.

The increase in Diabetes will add to the healthcare budget

excessively if prevention measures arent taken. Diabetes could
bankrupt the NHS in 20 years, the Daily Mail has reported.(Daily
Mail Newspaper , Wednesday 25th April 2012)
Diabetes is like a silent killer and it is just not a problem in itself but
it damages various organs of the patient gradually and it can be fatal.
It can lead to various other medical concerns if not controlled
properly such as depression, weak eyesight, obesity, and excessive
thirst. It can also lead to major complications such as kidney failure,
heart attack, high blood pressure level, accelerated cholesterol levels,
nerve damage and even stroke which can cause death.
Recommendation:
In the recent years, there have been measures taken to prevent
Diabetes and to protect the future of the upcoming generation.
However, people do not give much heed to the situation unless they
themselves or a family member falls prey to the illness. There should
be frequent awareness programs to reduce the risk. The programs
should not just be limited to educate the elderly but also to the
upcoming generation. There should be Diabetes walks, and
workshops to make the people aware of the complications of
Diabetes, that can be fatal such as kidney failure, stroke, and heart
diseases.
Diabetes is one of the costliest health diseases in the world. As more
and more people will have Diabetes it will add to the health budget.
There can be various approaches to make people aware. On the
World Diabetes Day, which is on the 14th of November, there should
be special programs at every hospital or institute to spread

awareness. There should be free glucose testing and blood pressure

testing to help people who cannot afford to get them done frequently.
Another approach is to encourage the upcoming generation to have
fresh fruits and a healthy diet full of fiber and protein. They should
avoid fully processed foods such as cereals that are also rich in
carbohydrates.
Also there should be more active Diabetes forums and communities
for people to share their experience across the globe.
Measures should also be taken in developing countries since they are
at a greater threat. Urgent action is required to reduce the risk. And
therefore the healthcare departments in the developing countries
should conduct raising awareness programs frequently in schools
and colleges. Young doctors and nurses should get together and form
a group to make people aware of the illness and its effects. They
should also invite young and educated patients to join the group and
share their experience with newly diagnosed patients.

REFFERENCING AND SOURCES USED:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/State-of-theNation-2012.pdf
http://www.hope4diabetes.info/general-information/diabetes-aworldwide-epidemic.html
http://www.idf.org/sites/default/files/The_Global_Burden.pdf

http://www.idf.org/sites/default/files/5E_IDFAtlasPoster_2012_EN.
pdf
http://www.c3health.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/DiabetesHuman-Social-and-Economic-Challenge.pdf
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/10/diabetes-theepidemic
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/04april/Pages/nhs-diabetes-costscases-rising.aspx