The figures show that 4.3 million people are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK. Registration figures for 2021-22 are up by 148,951 from 2020-21, and more than 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Diabetes UK say approximately 90% of diagnoses are of type 2 diabetes, and around 8% of diagnoses are type 1 diabetes, with the other forms of the condition making up the remaining 2%. They estimate there are an additional 850,000 people living with diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed, bringing the overall UK-wide figure beyond five million.
Following the news Diabetes UK are calling on the Government to ensure that national and local health systems put diabetes at the heart of their plans ensuring they identify more people at risk of type 2 diabetes, reduce health inequalities and target communities where diabetes prevalence is high.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes is important. They include the 4Ts of:
- Toilet (going for a wee a lot, especially at night)
- Thirsty (being really thirsty)
- Tired (feeling more tired than usual)
- Thinner (losing weight without trying)
Chris Askew OBE, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is serious, and every diagnosis is life changing. It’s a relentless condition, and the fear of serious complications is a lifelong reality for millions of people across the UK. 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.
“But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right care and support, cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission. What we need to see is the will, grit and determination from Government and local health leaders to halt this crisis in its tracks and improve the future health of our nation for generations to come.”