New study shows benefits of improving blood glucose levels

The study, by Sanofi, Diabetes UK and JDRF, shows that even modest improvement in blood glucose levels, if sustained, can provide significantly improved outcomes for the 3.5million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK.

As a result, if applied to the whole diabetes population of the North East – which currently stands at 111,772 people – the data shows that 27,553 serious medical complications, such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure could be avoided over 25 years.

Better management of blood glucose levels over the same period could equate to a cost avoidance of £149.8million for the North East.

Derek Conway, chairman of the Amble and Warkworth Diabetes UK Group, said that the figures highlight the importance of looking after your health.

He told the Gazette: “So many people who have diabetes don’t take it really seriously. In my case, my blood sugar levels were starting to rise and then you reach the point where you go too far.

“In my case, my levels were extremely high and I ended up on medication which I will be on for life.”

The group’s next open meeting is on Monday, April 11, at 2pm in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Dovecote Street, Amble. For more details, call Derek on 07515 419050