Report says UK in ‘rapidly escalating’ diabetes crisis as cases top 5m

A report has revealed the UK is experiencing a “rapidly escalating” diabetes crisis, with cases topping five million for the first time and under-40s are increasingly affected.

Currently, around 90 per cent of diabetes patients have type 2, a condition which is much more likely to develop if people are overweight.  Around two-thirds of adults in the UK are overweight or obese.

A new report published by Diabetes UK reveals an all-time high for type 2 and type 1 combined of 4.3m officially diagnosed cases and another 850,000 people living with one or other of the conditions but yet to be diagnosed.  A further 2.4 million people in the UK are considered to be at high risk of developing the type 2 form.

Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said “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.”

The sobering figures mean millions of people in the UK are at increased risk of complications such as kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, amputation and blindness.

Mr Askew went on to say that as a result, the country faces a public healthy emergency unless action is taken.  “Diabetes is serious, and every diagnosis is life-changing.  It’s a relentless condition, and the fear of serious complication is a lifelong reality for millions of people across the UK.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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