Big rise in diabetes fuelled by our modern lifestyle
PEOPLE CAN CHECK THEIR RISK IN FIVE MINUTES
NEW analysis released this week shows that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the Midlands has risen from 677,636 to 700,610 since last year.
Derbyshire has seen an increase of 1,747, with 66,047 people diagnosed with the condition.
The Diabetes UK figures show that more than 4.9 million people are currently living with diabetes in the UK, with 90 per cent of those with type 2.
But research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss – can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%.
Charity Diabetes UK has released the new analysis to mark Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, from May 10 to May 16 – a joint initiative between Diabetes UK, Public Health England and NHS England.
In the Midlands, the area with the highest prevalence was Sandwell and West Birmingham where 9.58 per cent of people were diagnosed with diabetes, followed by Leicester City (9.36 per cent), and Walsall (9.33 per cent).
The lowest in the Midlands was South Warwickshire with 6 per cent while the national average was 7.1 per cent.
This year’s campaign focuses on raising awareness of the risk factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes, and the steps people can take to reduce this risk. The new data shows a stark increase in the number of people living with a diabetes diagnosis in the UK; an increase of more than 150,000 from last year. The charity estimates that there are also more than 13.6 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK.
At this rate, Diabetes UK predicts the number of people with diabetes, including the undiagnosed population, is expected to rise to 5.5 million likely that more people will be living by 2030. with excess weight or obesity.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex con- Research shows that living with dition with multiple risk factors. obesity is the single greatest risk factor, There are things outside an individ- and accounts for 80-85% of ual’s control that contribute to their someone’s risk of developing the risk, such as age, family history and condition, and previous data from ethnicity. People of African-carib- Diabetes UK revealed that the number bean, Black African or South Asian of people living with obesity in descent are two to four times more England has almost doubled in the likely to develop type 2 diabetes than last 20 years from 6.9 to 13 million. those from a White background. But by understanding their own
However, our society, and our personal risk, it is possible for people environment, both also outside the to access support to help them take control of the individual, can also steps to reduce their risk. Diabetes impact on the risk of developing UK is therefore encouraging everyone type 2 diabetes. to complete Diabetes UK’S free
In a society that makes it more dif- online Know Your Risk tool, today. ficult to lead healthy lives, it is more Once completed, the risk tool advises the individual on their risk and suggests next steps. In England, for those who are advised to be at moderate or high risk, they can directly sign up to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP).
The pandemic has and continues to have, a huge impact on society. But research and data have shown that people with diabetes have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19, particularly in terms of poorer outcomes when contracting the virus. That’s why preventing or delaying cases of type 2 diabetes is more important than ever before.
Peter Shorrick, Midlands and East regional head at Diabetes UK, said: “The number of people with diabetes is increasing year-on-year. As we look to the future post-covid-19, preventing cases of type 2 diabetes must be a public health priority.
“The pandemic has shown with devastating clarity how diabetes puts you at increased risk of poorer outcomes when contracting the virus. Yet, we know that with the right support, up to half of type 2 diabetes cases − and the accompanying risk of developing life threatening complications − can be delayed or prevented.
“This Diabetes Prevention Week, we want to help people understand their personal risk of type 2 diabetes and the first step being is to complete our free Know Your Risk Tool, today. By taking just five minutes out of your day, you have the power to access information and support that could change your health for the better.”
Find out more about the risk factors of type 2 diabetes and what you can do to reduce your risk at diabetes. org.uk/preventing-type-2-diabetes/ diabetes-risk-factors
The pandemic has shown with devastating clarity how diabetes puts you at increased risk of poorer outcomes. Peter Shorrick