Adults only eating three fruit and veg a day

Two thirds of population admit failing to eat healthy diet, putting them at risk of diabetes, survey shows

TWO in three adults eat three or fewer portions of fruit and vegetables each day, leaving nearly 12 million at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, health experts have warned.

Diabetes UK said the five-a-day message was still not getting across, and warned that the lack of healthy eating in Britain was “a huge cause for concern”.

A survey by the charity found that 66 per cent of adults eat only three or fewer portions of fruit and veg a day, and three quarters of people are still confused about what constitutes a “portion”.

Nearly half of those surveyed said they do not eat any fruit at least three days of the week.

There are 3.6million people already living with diabetes in Britain, 90 per cent of whom have type 2 – the type sometimes linked with unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

The charity has warned that 11.9million people are at increased risk of developing the condition, but three in five cases could be avoided if people changed their lifestyles.

Helen Dickens, of Diabetes UK, said: “Everybody knows they should be eating ‘five a day’ and yet this survey suggests that this message simply isn’t getting through.

“It’s alarming to learn that the vast majority of people are still a long way off eating enough fruit and vegetables. Not only that, but people don’t know how much fruit and vegetables they should be eating.

“Healthy eating is equally important for people living with diabetes as well as preventing type 2.”

The survey, commissioned for Diabetes Week, also showed that people are unaware of the hidden sugars in many staple foods. Two thirds of people did not know that a tin of baked beans can contain up to five teaspoons of sugar.

Nearly a third of people add salt to food before even tasting it, even though too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Nearly six in 10 people said they wanted to eat more vegetables but 23 per cent thought they were too expensive, 16 per cent said they tend to go off too quickly, and nearly one in 10 said they took too long to prepare.

The charity called on the Government to do more to prevent junk food being marketed to children.

A record percentage of children now have weight problems, with one in three overweight or obese by the age of 10 or 11, increasing the risk of diabetes.

Emma Elvin, clinical adviser for Diabetes UK, said: “Simple lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, eating more fruit and vegetables and getting more exercise are an important part of managing all types of diabetes and can reduce the risk of serious of long-term complications such as blindness, amputations and even early death.”

Diabetes UK has launched a “food you love” campaign providing healthy recipes.