[ad_1]
One in four people who died in the hospital with Covid-19 also had diabetes, according to the first breakdown of underlying NHS health conditions among deaths.
Of the 22,332 people who died in the hospital in England between March 31 and May 12, 5,873 (26%) had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, figures from the NHS England reveal.
That was the most common disease found in an analysis of existing conditions that patients had. The other most common comorbidities were dementia (18%), severe respiratory problems (15%), and chronic kidney disease (14%). One in ten (10%) suffered from ischemic heart disease.
The diabetes finding confirms anecdotal reports from intensive care physicians that many of the coronavirus patients they’ve been treating during the pandemic had underlying diabetes, as well as research from the Kingdom’s National Center for Intensive Care Audit and Research United.
NHS England said that one in four figures confirmed that diabetes, which an estimated 4.8 million Britons have, increases the risk of death from Covid-19.
“It is clear that people with diabetes have a higher risk of dying from Covid-19,” said Professor Partha Kar, the organization’s specialized adviser on the disease. “A more detailed analysis is currently underway to understand the link between the two, although initial results indicate that the threat to people under the age of 40 remains very low.”
The NHS England breakdown, first published on Thursday, did not specify how many of the 5,873 diabetics who died had type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease unrelated to lifestyle and type 2 diabetes, which is closely related to being overweight. Full details will be published in an article in a medical journal next week.
The NHS has tried to reduce the additional risk that Covid-19 diabetics face by helping them manage their condition by providing online services, video consultations with specialists and a dedicated helpline, Kar said.
Experts think that diabetes increases the risk of dying from Covid-19 because diabetes puts pressure on the heart and other organs.
“The fact that more than a quarter of people who have died with Covid-19 have diabetes underscores the urgent need to ensure better protection and additional support available to those in clinically vulnerable groups,” said Bridget Turner, director Diabetes Charity Policy Center.
More research is needed to understand why diabetes increases the risk of death from Covid, he said. “But until we know more, people living with diabetes should be supported to manage their condition, attend regular appointments online or in person at Covid-protected sites, and most importantly, continue to have access to their clinical team. local if you have concerns, “he said.
Alzheimer’s Research in the UK said it was “shocking” that 4,048 of the people who died, nearly one in five of the total, had dementia and that this would increase fear. However, 88% of deaths are known to have been among those over the age of 65 and death rates are highest among people over the age of 80.
Samantha Benham-Hermetz, director of policy and public affairs for the charity, said: “This shocking news will no doubt bring even more concern and fear to people affected by dementia and their loved ones, during an already challenging time.
“While it is not yet clear what is behind the link between Covid-19 and dementia, we know that people with dementia are more vulnerable to certain infections. Age is the highest risk factor for dementia, and with older people also more likely to experience severe symptoms of Covid-19, this may partly explain the high number of deaths.People with dementia may also be more likely to have been exposed to the virus due to high rates of infection in homes of care. “
