Surge in Scots under 50 dying from diabetes

DEATHS from diabetes caused by rising levels of obesity among people under 50 are soaring in Scotland, according to a new analysis.

The mortality rate from the condition has nearly doubled in men in this age group over the past 20 years, while in women the level has grown almost five-fold.

Researchers expressed shock that diabetes death rates were rising at a time when those from cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses were falling. They believe people under the age of 50 should not be dying from diabetes as available treatments should be keeping them healthy.

Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “People should not be dying at relatively young ages from diabetes. Health systems nowadays should be able to keep them alive.”