Experts warn quarter of hospital beds may be taken up by diabetic patients by 2030

Charity Diabetes UK has estimated that one in four beds will be taken up by diabetic patients, although one expert has claimed this figure was conservative and that the number could rise from this as obesity levels continue to increase.

Currently one in six hospital admitted patients has diabetes and although the majority are not admitted because of the condition, it can complicate their recovery and make them more likely to die while in hospital.

One senior heart surgeon warned that the wards in his Birmingham hospital are ‘full’ of patients with the condition, some with life-threatening complications.

Diabetes can cause gangrene, heart problems, serious nerve damage and stroke as it causes blood sugar levels to increase, which in turn damages arteries, veins and internal organs.

Chris Askew of Diabetes UK, said “More than a million people with diabetes were admitted to hospital in England in 2017 – meaning around 18 per cent of hospital beds were occupied by someone with diabetes – but it is incredibly important to stress that only eight per cent were admitted because of their condition.

“What we do know, however, is that too many inpatients with diabetes are receiving poor care – including medication errors by staff – during their time in hospital, putting them at risk of serious diabetes-related complications, and in some cases an extended stay in hospital.

“If the projections that as many as one in four people in hospital by 2030 will have diabetes prove correct, it is clear we need investment now to keep them safe while they’re there.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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