Diabetes is now a ‘rapidly escalating crisis’ in the UK as cases are thought to have hit five million for the first time.
Health experts warn Britain’s obesity epidemic may be fuelling soaring rates of the condition –which is now more common in people under the age of 40 than older adults.
Almost 4.3million people were living with diabetes in 2021-2022, according to figures, with another 850,000 people living with the condition but unaware they have it.
Approximately 90 per cent of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity and is typically diagnosed in middle age, rather than type 1 diabetes, which is a genetic condition usually identified early in life.
Almost 4.3million people were living with diabetes in 2021-2022, according to figures, with another 850,000 people living with the condition but unaware they have it
The figures, analysed by the charity, show there were 4,264,477 cases of diabetes in the UK in 2021-22, up by almost 150,000 from the previous year
If untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease and strokes.
Diabetes UK says it is worried the rising rate has been caused by almost two-thirds of adults being obese and overweight in the UK.
Chris Askew, the charity’s chief executive, said: ‘Diabetes is serious, and every diagnosis is life-changing. It’s a relentless condition, and the fear of serious complications is a lifelong reality for millions of people across the UK.
‘These latest figures show we’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis, with spiralling numbers of people now living with type 2 diabetes and millions at high risk of developing the condition.’
The figures, analysed by the charity, show there were 4,264,477 cases of diabetes in the UK in 2021-22, up by almost 150,000 from the previous year.
Someone with diabetes has a toe, foot or leg amputated approximately every hour, while 30 people a week in England suffer serious sight loss due to the condition.
Every week, it leads to more than 770 strokes and 590 heart attacks. It also causes more than 700 premature deaths in England and Wales per week.
Diabetes and its complications are estimated to cost the NHS £10billion a year – about 10 per cent of its total budget.
Diabetes UK has raised particular concerns about the number of people under the age of 40 with type 2 diabetes, which it says rose 23 per cent in the five years to 2022.
Diabetes UK says it is worried the rising rate has been caused by almost two-thirds of adults being obese and overweight in the UK
By 2027, the charity warns there could be more than 200,000 people aged 18 to 39 living with the condition.
The NHS in England is currently trialling a radical soups and shakes diet, which cuts food intake to 850 calories a day, and can help reverse type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes UK wants a firm commitment to reducing diabetes in the Government’s major conditions strategy. It is estimated that more than 2.4million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Mr Askew said: ‘With the right care and support, cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission.
What we need to see is the will, grit and determination from the Government and local health leaders to halt this crisis and improve the future health of our nation for generations to come.’
The charity encourages people to be aware of the signs of diabetes, including needing to urinate a lot and being more tired than usual. There is a free ‘know your risk’ tool on its website.
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