Heart attacks and strokes will soar over the coming years as the diabetes epidemic continues unchecked, a charity has warned.

The increasing number of people with diabetes could trigger a 29% rise in the number of heart attacks and strokes linked to the condition by 2035, the British Heart Foundation has said.

An estimated 39,000 people living with diabetes will suffer a heart attack in 2035, a rise of 9,000 compared with 2015, according to the charity.

Cases of angina and heart failure are also set to soar, it warned.

Meanwhile, more than 50,000 people will have a stroke, a rise of 11,000, the charity said.


Image: Obesity can increase cases of type 2 diabetes

Over the next 20 years the number of people with diabetes in England is set to increase from four million to five million.

This increase is partly because of the rising number of those who are becoming obese.

Obesity can increase cases of type 2 diabetes.

Those with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

A rise in diabetes cases is therefore likely to increase in the number of potentially deadly heart and circulatory conditions.

"Today's figures point to an extremely worrying trend," said BHF chief executive Simon Gillespie.

"People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases and the expected surge in type 2 diabetes cases by 2035 could put thousands more people at risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke.

"We can only reverse this trend by taking bold action to tackle obesity and inactivity, especially amongst young people."

Mr Gillespie called for further regulatory action to reduce sugar and fat content in food, and to curb junk food advertising directed at young children.

"The food industry is not acting quickly enough to re-formulate its products, despite mounting evidence of their impact on the nation's health," he said, adding that continued research in understanding diabetes is also needed.

Image: Mr Gillespie wants to curb junk food advertising directed at young children

One diabetes patient, Sarah Miles, had to give up her nursing career after suffering a heart attack at the age of 38.

The 43-year-old from Cheddar, Somerset, said: "Living with diabetes is difficult, but to then have a heart attack was a total shock. The attack led to heart failure which has severely limited my quality of life."

She added: "I've had to give up my nursing career, my social life and my family dynamic has totally changed forever."

Dr Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at Public Health England (PHE), said: "Everyone can make important lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These include losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and cutting back on alcohol.

"I encourage having a free NHS Health Check, offered to 40-74 year olds, to help spot early warning signs of these preventable conditions and gives help and advice on lowering the risks."