Concern for Kids as Diabetes grows

04-08-2006 11:36

Research published today has shown that the UK has one of the fastest growing rates of Type 1 Diabetes among children, in the world

There are currently, 20'000 children in the UK who suffer from Type 1 diabetes, and scientists fear, that left unchecked, the figure could grow to 30'000 by 2015.

The study involved 57 countries across the world, and found that the worldwide, incidences of the disease were increasing by 2.8%.

In the UK, however, the disease is growing at a rate of 4%. Last year, the increase was 3%.

Scientists do not know whaat causes Type 1 diabetes, which must be managed by insulin injections, but studies point to genetics, as well as envronmental factors, and infection.

Simon O'Neill, director of care and policy at Diabetes UK, said: "It is extremely worrying that this research shows those numbers could be rising by an average 4% each year. "

"Increasing rates of diabetes means more children are at risk of going blind, losing limbs and suffering from kidney failure and heart attacks in later life if they are unable to manage their condition effectively."

People who suffer from the disease need to inject insulin around 4 times a day, for the rest of their lives, and the life ecpectency, on average, is shortened by 20 years.

It's specualted that the disease could be linked to Increased cleanliness and vaccination, meaning the kids don't build up as much immunity as they would have in the past, and to stress in families.