Diabetes drives one-third heart fatalities in England, finds report: Symptoms, risks behind this silent crisis

Here’s something that might make you pause and think twice about your health – especially if you or someone close to you has diabetes. A new report from Diabetes UK has brought something seriously concerning to light. Almost one-third of all deaths caused by heart disease in England are happening in people who have diabetes, The Guardian reported. That’s right – nearly 29% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths now involve someone with diabetes. What’s even more alarming? This number has basically doubled from 15% back in 2009. That’s a big leap in just over a decade. And it’s not just numbers on paper – it’s real lives, families, and futures being impacted.


Most people still think of diabetes as a “sugar problem.” Sure, it's about blood sugar, but that’s just one small piece of a much larger and more dangerous puzzle. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, messes with the body in more ways than one. When your blood sugar levels stay high over long periods – which is common in people who aren’t managing their condition well – the extra glucose starts to damage the blood vessels. These aren’t just any vessels; they’re the ones that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart. Over time, this damage adds up, and before you know it, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke shoots up. Think of it as rust building up in your car’s fuel lines – except the fuel lines here are your arteries.

But that’s not the end of the story. People with diabetes often face other health issues too – high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, sometimes obesity, and even chronic inflammation. All of these are major red flags for heart disease. So, when you mix diabetes into that already-risky combo, it creates a perfect storm. And the storm is definitely brewing. The report also shows that each week in England, diabetes plays a role in over 800 strokes, more than 560 heart attacks, and a staggering 2,900 cases of heart failure. Just let that sink in for a second. That’s thousands of people, week after week, suffering life-changing – and often life-ending – complications that could have been managed or even prevented.

Now, beyond the human tragedy, there’s also the economic cost to think about. Managing diabetes is expensive. Treating its complications? Even more so. Right now, the UK is spending around £10.7 billion a year on diabetes-related care. But if the trend continues unchecked, this number could climb to £18 billion by 2035.

So, who’s most at risk?
Well, if you have type 2 diabetes, you're already facing twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to someone without diabetes. But it’s not just about having diabetes – it’s about how well it’s managed. Poorly controlled blood sugar means more damage over time. And if you’ve also got high blood pressure, high cholesterol, if you smoke, or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your risk skyrockets even more. In fact, these risk factors don’t just add up – they multiply. That’s why someone with diabetes and a couple of these extra issues could be walking around like a ticking time bomb without even realizing it.


And the scariest part? Most people don’t spot the warning signs until it’s too late. The symptoms of diabetes can often be brushed off as “just being tired” or “a bit dehydrated.” Things like frequent thirst, increased urination, constant hunger, blurry vision, or unexplained weight loss might not seem urgent on their own. But they can all point to uncontrolled blood sugar. Similarly, symptoms of heart disease – chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, pain in the jaw or arm, or even fatigue – are often mistaken for something else. Some people chalk it up to ageing or stress. And by the time they actually get checked out, they might be dealing with something much more serious.


So, what can we actually do about this? While you can’t always change your genetics or your past choices, there’s a lot you can do starting right now. Getting regular checkups is key. Blood tests can catch rising sugar levels long before they turn into full-blown diabetes. And if you already have diabetes, you need to keep an eye on more than just your sugar. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, and even your kidney function need regular monitoring too.

Then there’s the big one: lifestyle changes. We all know we should eat healthier and move more – but it really makes a difference here. Something as simple as a daily 30-minute walk can lower your blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, and help with weight control. Cutting back on processed carbs and sugars, including more vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet can work wonders. Oh, and quitting smoking? That’s a no-brainer. It’s one of the single most impactful things you can do for your heart and overall health.

On the medical side of things, sticking to your prescribed treatment plan is vital. Don’t skip meds just because you “feel okay.” Many of the complications from diabetes and heart disease creep up slowly and silently. Medications to control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are there for a reason – to protect your heart and other organs from damage over time.

And let’s not forget mental health. Living with diabetes can be emotionally draining. The constant monitoring, the lifestyle changes, the fear of complications – it all adds up. Depression and anxiety are common among people with chronic conditions, and that in turn can affect how well someone manages their health. So any solution to this crisis has to include mental health support, community programs, and education that’s realistic and culturally sensitive.

In the end, this is more than just a medical story. It’s about how we live, how we take care of ourselves and each other, and how our healthcare system can rise to meet the challenge. The fact that nearly a third of heart-related deaths are now happening in people with diabetes should be a wake-up call. It’s not just a coincidence – it’s a pattern. And like any pattern, it can be broken if we catch it early and act decisively.

If you or someone in your family is living with diabetes, now is the time to take action – not out of fear, but out of empowerment. Know the symptoms. Get checked regularly. Eat a little better, move a little more. Stay on top of your numbers. And most importantly, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Because when it comes to diabetes and heart disease, being proactive isn’t just helpful – it could literally save your life.