The UK is facing a 'hidden health crisis' with over 12 million people living with diabetes or prediabetes, according to Diabetes UK. The charity is urging the government to act urgently to identify undiagnosed cases and increase funding for prevention programs.
New analysis suggests that one in five adults in the UK is living with diabetes or prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing full-blown diabetes. This total includes millions who are yet to be diagnosed, according to Diabetes UK. The charity has issued a warning about a 'hidden health crisis ' facing the nation and has penned an open letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary, urging immediate government action .
It is calling for an urgent identification of those living with undiagnosed diabetes and increased funding for prevention programmes promoting lifestyle changes. Diabetes UK's latest figures reveal that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, marking a record high and an increase from the 4.4 million reported last year. This figure includes approximately 8% with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone necessary for converting glucose into energy. Around 90% of these individuals have type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body does not use insulin effectively, while 2% have different and less common forms of the disease. Diabetes UK also estimates that an additional 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, and around 6.3 million people are living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes. If prediabetes is not addressed, it can escalate into type 2 diabetes. However, this condition can be reversed through lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. According to the latest statistics from Diabetes UK, over 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, are either diabetic or prediabetic. Colette Marshall, the CEO of Diabetes UK, commented to say: 'These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications.' In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK urged that the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan should 'prioritise urgently identifying those with pre-diabetes and those who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes' via 'improved NHS Health Checks'. The charity also urged increased funding for prevention initiatives like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which encourages lifestyle changes for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The letter cautioned that diabetes 'is a gateway to many other serious health issues', including strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure. A study by Diabetes UK last year revealed the condition could cost the NHS £18 billion by 2035 if left unchecked. Research from May last year also found a 40% rise in type 2 diabetes diagnoses among under-40s in the UK. Colette said: 'With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it. The sooner we can find and get them the care they need, the more harm we can prevent.' A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care commented to say: 'It's extremely concerning that there are high numbers of adults living with type 2 diabetes. That's exactly why preventative action is crucial. As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are committed to a shift from sickness to prevention to enable everyone to live a healthy life for longer. 'We are taking action to tackle type 2 diabetes-related lifestyle factors head on, including restricting junk food advertising on TV and online. We are also developing a new digital NHS Health Check that people can use at home to understand their risk of diabetes and how to reduce it.
Diabetes Prediabetes UK Health Crisis Government Action Prevention NHS Lifestyle Changes
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