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Diabetes timebomb is ticking: 7,400 sufferers and 1,300 more who don't know they have it
NEW figures show 7,400 people are suffering from a killer disease and there may be over a thousand more who don't know they have it.
According to figures a further 1,300 may have the condition but not even know it.
The number of sufferers is set to rise to over 10,000 by 2010.
The startling figures are set to be considered by Calderdale Council's health and social care scrutiny panel, which is planning a review into how the condition is treated and detected.
Panel chairman Bob Metcalfe said the disease has a serious impact on sufferers and their families.
"One of the key issues that the review will need to consider is what is known as the nationally as the "missing millions". These are the large number of people who are living with the condition without even knowing it.
"We will need to scrutinise the way in which local health partners are working to promote early detection among the local population.
"We are keen to find out if there are ways in which diabetes can be better diagnosed and diagnosed more quickly.
"We also want to find out about the care and support offered to diabetics and their families to see whether or not it can be improved."
The report, which will go before the council panel tomorrow, also says there were 108 deaths attributable to diabetes last year.
It also says the condition can reduce life expectancy by at least five years and increase the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and depression.
Diabetes means the body is unable to break down glucose into energy, either because there is not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work.
Symptoms include feeling thirsty, extreme tiredness, weight loss and muscle wasting. Diabetes can not be cured, but there is treatment to keep blood glucose levels normal.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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