20.08.12
Scottish diabetes rate continues to grow
The diabetes rate in Scotland continues to rise by around 10,000 a year, new statistics show. Almost a quarter of a million Scots now have the condition.
The figures come from the annual Scottish Diabetes survey and indicate that a total of 247,278 people have diabetes, almost 5% of the population.
The majority of these cases, 217,500, are type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as excess alcohol, obesity and a lack of exercise.
Chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns said: “This survey highlights the increasing number of people with diabetes that is directly related to the ageing of the population and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as obesity.
“Stopping smoking, eating better and taking regular exercise is something we can all do to make sure we are as healthy as possible.”
Jane-Claire Judson, the director of Diabetes UK, said the statistics showed a “relentless rise”.
She said: “Meeting the challenge of diabetes requires the NHS, government and society overall to take action to improve our nation's health, and together we need to ensure that those already diagnosed have the best support and care available.”
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