Poor 'more vulnerable to diabetes'

Jul 27 2009

People living in the poorest areas are much more likely to get a form of diabetes than those in the most affluent communities, health campaigners have said.

The charity Diabetes UK Scotland said research has found the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing at a higher rate in more deprived areas.

And those living in the poorest areas are 64% more likely to be diagnosed with the condition compared to people in the most well off communities.

In addition, those in deprived areas who have diabetes are more likely to go on to develop complications.

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

Type 2 diabetes usually affects middle-aged or older people, although more frequently it is being diagnosed in younger people who are overweight.

In its new report, Diabetes in the UK 2009, the charity said: "Deprivation is strongly associated with higher levels of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking and poor blood pressure control.

"All these factors are inextricably linked to the risk of diabetes or the risk of developing serious complications for those already diagnosed."