A hospital consultant is urging people with diabetes to attend their check-ups and appointments to prevent the risk of developing serious illness.
Dr Belinda Allan, Consultant in General Medicine and Endocrinology at NHS Humber Health Partnership, said check ups are the best way to manage this serious, complicated condition.
At the start of Diabetes Awareness Week, Dr Allan said: “There are many complications linked to diabetes including problems with your eyes or feet, heart attacks, nerve damage, and other serious long -term problems. It can also cause acute, short-term health issues such as hypos and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
“Attending your diabetes health checks is a way of ensuring your condition is stable and helps us pick up potential problems early enough to support you, preventing things from getting worse.
“And if you’ve just recently been diagnosed and feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, keeping your appointments mean you get to see specialist teams who can help and advise you.”
More than 40,000 people in Hull and the East Riding were diagnosed with diabetes in 2023/24. And the problem’s getting worse.
Mortality rates have tripled in Hull over the last 20 years, rising from 314 deaths between 2001-03 to 1,197 between 21-23. Of the 8,063 people who died in Hull between 2021-23, 15 per cent had diabetes mentioned on their death certificates.
Diabetes is a serious, complicated condition affecting how your body turns food into energy and there are two main types Type 1 – an autoimmune condition where the body produces little or no insulin – and Type 2 – the most common type of diabetes which is linked lifestyle such as obesity, physical inactivity and a diet high in ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and unhealthy fats.
Dr Allan, based at the Allam Diabetes Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary, said: “Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is often diagnosed in childhood although it can develop at any age. You’re at a slightly higher risk if a close family member has the condition.
“However, several factors can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes such as being overweight or obese and not getting enough exercise and eating an unhealthy diet so taking control of these things now can stop you developing diabetes in the future.
“And if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it’s really important that you take your medication as prescribed, monitor your blood glucose levels and make those important changes to your lifestyle.”
There’s more information from Diabetes UK.