Diabetes is a strong risk factor for stroke and heart attack and people who have diabetes are often treated with medicines that lower the risk of these complications. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to three fold compared to adults without the disease. However, one interesting study has revealed that the rate of these complications among individuals with diabetes has been declining over the past 20 years.
The researchers, in Australia, used data of individuals diagnosed with diabetes within two time frames: first phase (1993 to 2001) and second phase (2008 to 2016). Data used include hospital records, death records, and treatment history. The authors found that individuals with diabetes have become less likely to have heart attacks, heart failure, and leg ulcers that require amputation.
This sends a ray of hope about the outlook for people living with diabetes, while still emphasizing the need for dietary education and aggressive drug treatment of the condition. Hopefully, Africa is experiencing similar reduction in complications of diabetes.
