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Diabetes UK is calling on the government to put diabetes at the heart of its Major Conditions Strategy, as cases top five million for the first time.
Figures show that 4.3 million people now have a type 1 or type 2 diabetes diagnosis, with a further 850,000 predicted to have the condition, but are yet to be diagnosed.
The vast majority (90%) of cases are of type 2 diabetes, with just 8% of diagnoses type 1, and the other forms making up the remaining 2%. However, a global modelling study predicts that the number of people with type 1 globally is expected to double by 2040.
This means the number of people living with the condition has risen by nearly 150,000 over the past year, something that is partly down to the increasing number of people who are overweight or obese.
Nearly two thirds (64%) of adults in England are overweight or obese, which is pushing up rates of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK says social deprivation has contributed to this issue, with factors such as income, education, housing, access to healthy food, as well as poorer access to healthcare, all contributing to rising levels of obesity.
Indeed, type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common among those under the age of 40 and it is more prevalent in areas where there are higher levels of deprivation. This is particularly concerning given that developing type 2 diabetes early is associated with more severe and acute health effects.
Diabetes leads to 2,300 cases of heart failure a week
People with all types of diabetes are at risk of developing serious complications (such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure) if they do not receive the right care at the right time.
Diabetes UK is therefore calling for a firm commitment to diabetes in the government’s Major Conditions Strategy, with a focus on preventing avoidable cases in the community.
This includes identifying those at high risk of type 2 diabetes and ensuring they are supported to reduce their risk by referral to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, as well as limiting junk food advertising to stop people being pushed towards unhealthy food options.
The charity is also urging the public to learn about the signs and symptoms of the condition, so they know when to seek support from a healthcare professional. Symptoms include: needing to urinate frequently, being unusually thirsty, feeling more tired than usual, and losing weight without trying.
Health leaders have the power to halt the crisis
Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, 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.”
However, Mr Askew says with the right care and support, cases of type 2 can be prevented or put into remission. “What we need to see is the will, grit and determination from government and local health leaders to halt this crisis in its tracks and improve the future health of our nation for generations to come,” he said.