Rates of stroke and kidney failure in people with diabetes have reached record levels in England, according to an analysis by Diabetes UK.
In 2009/10, 16,000 people with diabetes had a stroke - an increase of 57 per cent compared to 2006/07. For kidney failure, the rate has increased by 31 per cent over the same period of time, reaching 8,800.
The charity said the results highlight the need for diabetes patients to have their blood pressure and kidney function checked annually, and agree a personal blood pressure target with a nurse or doctor.
Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, decribed the figures as 'appalling'.
'They are a reminder that all people with diabetes should have these checks every year, as this is the simplest and most effective way of reducing risk of complications such as stroke and kidney failure.
'We also need to get the message across to people with diabetes that they should demand these checks if they are not already getting them.'