Diagnoses in Scotland rise by 40% over decade

The number of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in Scotland has increased by 40% over a decade, according to a new study.

Cases of people being found to have the condition rose from 190,772 to 267,615 between 2008 and 2018, research from Diabetes Scotland has found.

There are also an estimated 26,347 people living with Type 2 diabetes who have yet to be diagnosed, bringing the total number up to 293,962.

Angela Mitchell, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said: “Type 2 diabetes is an urgent public health crisis and solving it depends on decisive action led by both the UK and Scottish governments, supported by industry and delivered across our society.

“We must create healthy environments which support people to make healthy choices.

“This includes mandating industry to make food and drinks healthier.”

She added: “Almost twothirds of the Scottish population is overweight, putting people at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. More than half of all cases of Type 2 diabetes and the accompanying risk of developing devastating complications could be prevented or delayed if people are supported to maintain a healthy weight.”