The number of diabetes cases in the United Kingdom has hit an all-time high, with new figures revealing that one in five adults now has either diabetes or prediabetes. Experts are warning of a mounting health crisis as many remain undiagnosed and at risk of severe complications.
According to the latest report from the charity Diabetes UK, 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, an increase from 4.4 million in the previous year. Additionally, an estimated 1.3 million adults are living with type 2 diabetes without a formal diagnosis.
The report also found that 6.3 million people in the UK have prediabetes—a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. While prediabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes, failure to manage it can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Millions Unaware of Their Condition
The findings indicate that over 12 million people in the UK are affected by diabetes or prediabetes. Colette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, emphasized the urgency of identifying those with undiagnosed conditions.
“We need to find the missing millions who have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it,” Marshall stated. “The earlier they receive care, the more complications we can prevent.”
Health Risks and Contributing Factors
Diabetes is categorized primarily into two types: type 1, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, and type 2, where the body either does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it effectively.
The vast majority—around 90%—of UK diabetes cases are type 2, which is closely linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and poor dietary habits. Approximately 8% of cases are type 1 diabetes, while the remaining 2% involve rarer forms of the disease.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
A Growing Global Concern
The UK’s escalating diabetes crisis aligns with global trends. A study published in The Lancet medical journal estimated that 828 million people worldwide had diabetes in 2022—a staggering increase from 630 million in 1990.
Diabetes UK is urging the British government to take decisive action, calling for improved medical care, increased support for newly diagnosed patients, and annual health screenings to detect complications early.
“There must be better care for the millions of people living with diabetes to help them maintain their health and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications,” Marshall stressed.
As diabetes rates continue to climb, experts warn that urgent intervention is necessary to mitigate the impact of this growing public health crisis.
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