Diabetics risk blindness due to uncontrolled blood sugar
- 00:00:55
- ITN
Diabetics risk blindness due to uncontrolled blood sugar
New figures show that almost 800,000 diabetics are risking blindness, heart disease and kidney failure because their blood sugar levels are not under control. An analysis of more than two million diabetics aged over 17 in the UK found 34% were not hitting their recommended blood glucose levels. Keeping blood glucose levels to between 6.5% and 7.5% cuts the risk of long-term complications from the disease. The research was released by Diabetes UK to mark World Diabetes Day. Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of the charity, said: "It is absolutely appalling that one in three people with diabetes are struggling to achieve their blood glucose targets. "Diabetes complications are estimated to cost the NHS around £1 million an hour and can have a devastating effect on people's quality of life."
ITN | November 14, 2009
