The United Kingdom is currently facing a “rapidly escalating” diabetes crisis, with cases now surpassing 5 million, according to a recent report. With around 10% of the UK population now affected by the disease, the situation is only set to worsen, with diabetes predicted to become the country’s biggest healthcare challenge within the next decade. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this staggering rise in diabetes cases, and what can be done to combat it.
A report published by Diabetes UK has revealed that the UK is facing a “rapidly escalating” diabetes crisis, with the number of cases topping five million for the first time. The report highlights the growing number of under-40s affected by the condition, primarily due to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which is more likely to develop in people who are overweight or obese. Approximately two-thirds of adults in the UK are classed as overweight or obese. The report outlines an all-time high of 4.3 million diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes combined, alongside another 850,000 individuals living with one of the conditions but still to be diagnosed. A further 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in 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,” said Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK. The rise in cases means that millions of people are at an increased risk of complications, such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. As such, the country faces a public health emergency unless action is taken to address the issue.
The report specifically raises concerns regarding the high number of people who are overweight or obese and suggests that this is directly “translating” into an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes. For instance, the risk of type 2 diabetes is seven times higher in obese individuals than in those of a healthy weight, and three times higher for those who are overweight. The report also highlights the growing number of younger people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The condition is becoming increasingly common among individuals under the age of 40, with the number of cases rising at a faster pace than among the over-40s. Although the latter still makes up the majority of cases, the number of under-40s with the condition is increasing at a faster growth rate.
Diabetes UK also noted that the condition is becoming more prevalent in areas with higher levels of deprivation. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are “multiple and complex,” including factors such as age, family history and ethnicity, as well as being overweight or obese.
The charity called upon the government to make diabetes central to its imminent major conditions strategy, to prevent cases and support people at high risk. “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,” said Askew.
Zoe Davies, a spokesperson for the campaign groups Action on Sugar and Action on Salt, called on the government to rebalance the food system and provide the population with equitable access to healthy, affordable food. “They have delayed plans for a ban on pre-watershed TV advertising for junk food, for example, in favour of multinational food companies which are making huge profits from selling unhealthy products and do not have a vested interest in the nation’s health,” she added.
In conclusion, the diabetes crisis in the UK is not slowing down anytime soon. With cases topping 5 million and the number steadily rising, urgent action is needed to tackle this growing epidemic. The report highlights the need for greater awareness, prevention measures, and effective treatment options for those living with the condition. It is crucial that individuals, healthcare professionals, and policy-makers work together to address this issue before it becomes a major public health crisis. We must take action now to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
