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February 2020

Number of people with diabetes nears 4 million



New data show a stark increase in the number of people living with a diabetes diagnosis in the UK of more than 100,000 from last year to 3.9 million. Diabetes UK predicts that ‘at this rate’ the number of people with diabetes, including an undiagnosed population of up to 1 million, is expected to rise to 5.3 million by 2025.

People with type 2 diabetes are 50% more likely to die prematurely than those without diabetes. A common complication of diabetes that can lead to early death is heart disease. People with type 2 diabetes are two to two-and-a-half times more likely to experience heart failure and twice more likely to have a heart attack compared to people without diabetes.

While not every case of type 2 diabetes is associated with excessive weight, it is the single greatest risk factor, responsible for 80 to 85% of an individual’s risk of developing the condition. Obesity in England has almost doubled in the last 20 years from 6.9 to 13 million, yet Government action to tackle obesity appears to have stalled, the charity says.

Diabetes UK is calling on the Government to honour their manifesto commitment to tackle childhood obesity and make it a top priority to take decisive action in order to stem the tide of obesity. The charity is also calling on the Government and NHS England to continue their focus on preventing devastating complications, through better care for all people with diabetes.

DUK chief executive Chris Askew said: ‘Type 2 diabetes is an urgent public health crisis, and solving it depends on decisive action that’s led by government, supported by industry and delivered across our society.

‘More than half of all cases of type 2 diabetes − and the accompanying risk of developing devastating complications − could be prevented or delayed by supporting people to make healthier choices. This includes mandating industry to make food and drinks healthier and addressing the marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods.

‘At the same time, we need to help people understand their personal risk of type 2 diabetes and find tailored clinical support to reduce it. The Government promised to tackle obesity, and it’s time for them deliver on this promise, and lead the way in affecting real change. Preventing type 2 diabetes, and the development of devastating complications for those living with the condition has to be a public health priority.’