Back to blood pressure news index

Diabetics at risk of heart attack

The number of heart attacks in diabetes sufferers has doubled over the past 10 years. These new figures have been released at the Diabetes UK's Annual Professional Conference.

The findings

The report showed that diabetics account for 13.9% of all hospital admissions for heart attacks in the UK in 2005-2006, compared to 7.2% in 1996-1997.

Diabetics admitted to hospital with stroke also increased over the same periods from 6.1% in 1996-1997 to 11.3% in 2005-2006.

Researchers conclusions

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said, "This research is particularly worrying as 100,000 people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year and around 80 per cent of people with diabetes die of heart related complications." He added, "Good diabetes management can reduce the risk of heart disease by 56 per cent."

Back to blood pressure news index