Liver disease: Deaths in England and Wales have increased since pandemic began

Deaths from liver disease and diabetes have been higher than expected in England and Wales since the coronavirus pandemic began

By Jason Arunn Murugesu

Far more people have died from liver disease and diabetes in England and Wales since the coronavirus pandemic began than expected. Exactly why is unclear, but some deaths may be due to difficulties in accessing healthcare during periods of lockdown, along with rising alcohol consumption.

Between March 2020 and June 2022, there were 3834 excess deaths caused by cirrhosis and other liver diseases in England and Wales compared with the rolling five-year averages for these conditions, according …