Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic condition in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.

Diabetes can lead to several long-term complications that affect blood vessels and circulation. People with diabetes are at significantly greater risk than the general population of developing other conditions such as:

  • heart disease
  • heart failure
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • chronic kidney disease
  • retinopathy

The cardiovascular disease profiles are available for commissioners and health professionals when assessing the impact of cardiovascular diseases, such as these on their local population and making decisions about services.

The vision profiles bring together population rates across the whole eye pathway. They contain data on sight loss recorded as due to diabetic eye disease for local authorities.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

An auto-immune condition in which the cells that produce insulin are destroyed. It requires lifelong treatment with insulin to prevent further complications.

Around 8% of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes

It occurs when the body stops producing enough insulin for its needs and is usually accompanied by resistance to the effect of insulin. 

The condition is progressive requiring lifestyle management at all stages, including diet and exercise. At some point, a person with Type 2 diabetes may need medication and possibly insulin. 

 

Diabetes Foot Care

People with diabetes are at greater risk of foot disease due to vascular damage impairing the circulation in the feet. Cuts and sores are therefore less likely to be identified by patients, potentially leading to infection, ulceration, amputation or even death.

The NCVIN produces diabetes foot care indicators for each Integrated Care Boards in England. These indicators are a measure of the effectiveness of health care and the foot care system for patients with diabetes in an area. They are based on data taken from:

  • Hospital Episode Statistic
  • the National Diabetes Audit
  • the Quality and Outcomes Framework

Access a spreadsheet containing the latest update for these indicators. An accompanying technical document is also available.

Last update of these statistics is from January 2023.