Cases of diabetes still on the rise

The number of newly-diagnosed cases of diabetes continues to rise so steeply that the UK is believed to be on the verge of a public health disaster. A poor diet and lack of exercise, combined with a public failure to take diabetes seriously, is being blamed for the increase of one of the fastest-growing threats the health of the nation.

The number of patients with the type 2 strain of the disease is expected to rise by 1.2 million, to five million, between now and 2025. A survey revealed less than a fifth of people realised diabetes could lead to a range of serious health complications including amputations, heart attacks or strokes. Less than a third knew it could lead to blindness and only 13 per cent were aware it increased the risk of death by more than a third among sufferers of any age.

Despite these alarming health risks, as many as 80 per cent of all cases could be easily prevented simply with an improved diet and more exercise. With new cases of diabetes being diagnosed on average every 10 minutes in the UK it is vital for patients and physicians to continue learning about the illness to continue developing future treatment options for patients.

A major weapon in the fight against diabetes is clinical trials or studies. These provide medical experts with an understanding of the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and are essential in helping to manage a range of conditions besides diabetes, including heart disease, and others which are heading towards becoming a global pandemic.

MeDiNova UK Heading Towards National Health Disaster Due to Poor Health and Lack of Exercise, which specialises in clinical research studies conducts trials at its two clinics in North London and South London. All are approved by both the Medicine and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Ethics Committee. Trials can span over just a few months or years. However, irrespective of the length of the trial patients taking part receive comprehensive care via frequent health checks and medical testing as well as access to free trial medication and blood glucose testing. They also benefit from regular contact with the study doctors who will track their condition, which can be well controlled throughout the study. Travelling expenses are also provided.

Kumar Muthalagappan, Chief Executive of MeDiNova, said: “The clinical trials we conduct are so important in terms of shaping the future care of patients suffering from a wide range of conditions. As the survey results reveal, diabetes in the UK is increasing at an exponential rate and it is therefore crucial that we continue to educate ourselves through a continuous programme of research. Our professional team of research investigators, doctors, nurses and other staff provide first class support to ensure the well-being of our patients at all times. The centre is among the leading sites for research into a wide range of conditions such as diabetes osteoporosis, asthma, and migraines."