Diabetes Linked to Nearly One-Third Heart Disease Deaths England

Recent reports reveal a critical and escalating link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in England, where nearly one-third of all CVD deaths now occur among people with diabetes, up from 15% in 2009. Diabetes UK highlights that type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure due to prolonged high blood sugar damaging blood vessels, compounded by conditions like high blood pressure and obesity. The disease contributes to thousands of serious cardiovascular events weekly, placing a substantial financial strain on the NHS, with diabetes care costs expected to rise from £10.7 billion to £18 billion by 2035. Despite advances, only about 61% of people with diabetes receive full recommended care, underscoring the need for improved management and preventive measures. Experts emphasize that addressing diabetes effectively requires integrating it into broader health strategies focused on reducing cardiovascular mortality, with calls for governmental action on prevention and lifestyle promotion. Parallel findings from a Dutch study show that pre-diabetes also poses a high risk, with one in six people experiencing heart attacks or strokes within eight years, reinforcing the urgency of early detection and lifestyle interventions.