Every fifth death associated with diabetes medics call for diabetes plan

Dramatically high mortality: Experts call for National Diabetes Plan

The number of diabetics has increased massively for years. According to a recent study, almost one fifth of all deaths in Germany are associated with diabetes. Experts are calling for more effective measures against the disease. Among other things, healthy food should be exempt from VAT.

Number of diabetics is increasing

Diabetes is one of the major common diseases in Germany. At present, around six million diabetics live in Germany, with around 300,000 patients added each year. Bad or even untreated, the disease has dramatic consequences: The complication rate for heart attack, heart failure (heart failure) and stroke is about 2 to 3 times increased according to the German Diabetes Association (DDG). About one in every five deaths in this country is, according to a study associated with the so-called diabetes. The DDG is now calling for a National Diabetes Plan.

According to a new study, a good fifth of all deaths in Germany are likely to be attributed to diabetes mellitus. Experts are now calling for a National Diabetes Plan against the disease. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

One-fifth of all deaths associated with diabetes

A good fifth of all deaths in Germany are likely to be accounted for by diabetes mellitus. This is the result of a study by the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), which was recently published in the journal Diabetes Care.

As a result, the German Diabetes Association (DDG) is making an urgent appeal to politicians to implement swift, effective measures to prevent disproportionate behavior.

These include, for example, the VAT exemption for healthy foods and the "National Diabetes Plan" to improve medical care.

The consumer organization foodwatch also recently campaigned for the abolition of VAT on fruit and vegetables.

Higher mortality than assumed

"In Germany, there were only estimates of diabetes-related mortality based on regionally limited cohort studies and surveys, in which only a few people with diabetes were examined," wrote the DDZ in a statement.

However, since 2014, scientists have been provided with routine data from the statutory health insurances, which represent approximately 90 percent of the German population.

They have now been evaluated for the first time and show that every fifth death is associated with diabetes. "That's almost ten times more people than previously thought," commented DDG President Professor Dr. med. Dirk Müller-Wieland the new findings in a communication.

Free healthy food from VAT

Due to the dramatic numbers, the DDG calls for effective public health measures.

These include a tiered VAT system for food - unhealthy products high in sugar, fat and salt should be more expensive, while healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables should be exempt from VAT.

In addition, policymakers should issue a ban on advertising for unhealthy foods targeted at children, establish mandatory standards for healthy school meals, and at least one hour of exercise every day in daycare centers and schools.

"These measures would mean that in future fewer and fewer people will develop diabetes. That in turn would massively relieve the health system of Germany, "said DDG Managing Director Barbara Bitzer.

National Diabetes Plan required

In addition, the DDG calls for a "National Diabetes Plan" for Germany. The starting points are aimed at better medical care for people with diabetes.

"This would enable us to effectively reduce the dramatic mortality risk of diabetic patients," says Bitzer.

"The shocking study results show once again that the policy now urgently needs to take countermeasures to significantly reduce the number of diseases and increase the life expectancy of diabetic patients," said DDG board member Professor Seufert of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology of the University of Freiburg.

Healthier lifestyle

However, those affected can do something themselves. The main risk factors for type 2 diabetes are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and overweight or obesity.

For those affected, a healthy lifestyle is usually recommended. Often already losing weight can normalize insulin levels again.

Regular exercise also helps to lower high blood sugar. Sports such as jogging, Nordic walking, cycling or walking are also available.

In addition, scientific studies have provided evidence that certain foods can have a positive effect. A study showed that broccoli lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. (Ad)