Hospital admissions due to smoking down but diabetes deaths rise

Smoking resulted in more than 100,000 hospital admissions in Scotland during 2017, down 11% over the last decade.

Smoking was the primary reason for approximately 51,400 patients over 35 being admitted to hospital in 2017 – a 21% reduction since 2008 – and contributed to a further 49,100 admissions.

Tobacco use was the primary cause of 50% of cancer admissions linked to smoking, according to the official figures.

Meanwhile, deaths and hospital admissions caused by diabetes have risen in Scotland in the last decade.

Last year saw fewer people admitted to hospital for diabetes-related conditions, but the number of people whose death was linked to the condition rose to 6,480 in 2017.

The prevalence of diabetes – particularly type 2 which is linked to diet and obesity – is also increasing rapidly, according to the Scottish Diabetes Survey.

The survey estimates that almost 300,000 Scots had diabetes in 2017, with 17,000 new cases diagnosed.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s national no smoking day, Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, said: “Some people just decide to quit and manage it straight off – and can be surprised to find it was easier than they thought.

“For others, it can take a number of attempts to succeed, but each time they learn something about themselves and what helps or gets in the way.

“There is free, expert advice from your pharmacy or Quit Your Way Scotland and you can get prescriptions for help if you need them. Just have a think, and talk to people, and pick your way to quit.”