City is third worst for diabetes rates
MORE THAN 31,200 DIAGNOSED WITH THE CONDITION
LEICESTER has one of the worst diabetes rates in the country, new data has revealed.
According to charity Diabetes UK, the number of diagnoses in the city has reached 31,242 – making it the second worst in the Midlands and the third worst in England.
The charity’s figures show that more than 4.9 million people in the UK have the condition – an increase of more than 150,000 from last year.
Of those 4.9 million, 90 per cent are living with type 2, which is complex and has multiple risk factors.
The charity’s analysis is released to coincide with Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, which began on Monday.
This year’s campaign focuses on raising awareness of the risk factors that contribute to people being diagnosed and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
Peter Shorrik, Midlands and East Regional head at Diabetes UK, said: “The number of people with diabewith tes 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.”
Research has shown people with diabetes have been disproportionately affected by the virus, which is why preventing and delaying diagnoses is deemed more important than ever before. Some things outside of an individual’s control that contribute to their risk of a type 2 diagnoses include age, family history and ethnicity.
People of African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian descent are two to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those from a white background. Society and environment are also contributing factors.
Research shows obesity is the single greatest risk factor and accounts for 80 to 85 per cent of someone’s risk of developing the condition.
Previous data from the Diabetes UK showed the number of people obesity in England has almost doubled in the last 20 years, from 6.9 million to 13 million. It is also estimated there are 13.6 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Diabetes UK predicts the number of people with diabetes, including people who are undiagnosed, will rise to 5.5 million by 2030. By understanding their own personal risk, people can access the support to help reduce it.
Diabetes UK is encouraging everyone to complete their free online “Know Your Risk” tool, which advises individuals on their risk and suggests next steps.
In England, those who get a moderate or high-risk result can directly sign up to the NHS Diabetes prevention programmes, Healthier You.
Mr Shorrick added: “The pandemic has shown with devastating clarity how diabetes puts you at increased risk of poorer outcomes when contracting the virus.
“Yet, we know 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. 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.”