(Daily Mail) — The numbers of elderly suffering from life-threatening illnesses including diabetes,lung disease and high blood pressure will more than double over the next 40 years, ministers warn.

They say the NHS will struggle to cope with the soaring costs of treating those with long-term illnesses who need regular GP appointments and are often admitted to hospital.

There are currently 15 million people suffering from illnesses such as lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis but this is expected to rise to almost 38 million by 2050, according to the Department of Health.

These patients currently account for 50 per cent of GP appointments and 70 per cent of hospital beds but this proportion will rise further over the coming decades.

Ministers argue that unless the NHS changes the way it treats these patients, it will be unable to cope with the growing pressure on services and high costs incurred through treatment.

Instead, the Government wants patients to be able to monitor their conditions at home – by measuring their blood pressure, blood sugar or breathing for example – instead of going to their GP every few weeks.