The number of diabetes cases in the UK has reached a new high, with over 1 million adults estimated to have type 2 diabetes but remain undiagnosed, according to a recent report.
The latest data reveals that one in five adults in the UK is now living with diabetes or prediabetes. The charity Diabetes UK reports that around 4.6 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, an increase from 4.4 million last year. This rise has been described as a “hidden health crisis.”
Additionally, 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, while 6.3 million others have prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. If untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The report estimates that a total of more than 12 million people in the UK—about 20% of the adult population—are impacted by diabetes or prediabetes.
Colette Marshall, the Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, emphasized the need for greater efforts to identify those who are unaware of their condition. “Finding these missing millions and offering them the care they need is crucial,” Marshall said. “The earlier we catch it, the more we can prevent serious health issues.”
Diabetes comes in two main types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells, while type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to it properly.
Around 90% of diabetes cases in the UK are type 2, which is linked to obesity, unhealthy diets, and high blood pressure. Approximately 8% of cases are type 1, and 2% are other rare forms of diabetes.
The condition can lead to severe health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, feet, and nerves.
This rise in diabetes cases in the UK mirrors global trends. According to the Lancet medical journal, there were 828 million people living with diabetes in 2022, a significant increase from 1990.
Diabetes UK has called on the UK government to invest in better medical care, including support for newly diagnosed individuals and regular health screenings to identify potential complications early. Marshall added, “We need to ensure better care for everyone with diabetes to help them live well and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.”
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