Prime Highlights:
Over 12 million people in the UK (one in five adults) are affected by diabetes or prediabetes.
1.3 million individuals have type 2 diabetes without being diagnosed, and 6.3 million people are at risk with prediabetes.
The diagnosed cases of diabetes increased from 4.4 million to 4.6 million in just one year.
Key Background:
The number of diabetes cases in the United Kingdom has reached unprecedented levels, with new data revealing that one in five adults are now living with either diabetes or prediabetes. According to estimates from Diabetes UK, approximately 4.6 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, an increase from 4.4 million the previous year. In addition, 1.3 million individuals are living with type 2 diabetes without being diagnosed, while 6.3 million are at risk with prediabetes—higher than normal blood sugar levels that may lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated.
This alarming rise in cases has led experts to warn of a “hidden health crisis.” Diabetes UK’s chief executive, Colette Marshall, stressed the need for more proactive measures to identify the “missing millions” who have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing severe health complications associated with the disease.
The majority of diabetes cases in the UK are type 2, a condition linked to obesity, poor diet, and high blood pressure. It is preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes, but untreated, it can lead to life-threatening consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney, nerve, eye, and foot problems. Meanwhile, type 1 diabetes, a less common but serious condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, accounts for around 8% of cases.
The rising burden of diabetes in the UK mirrors global trends, with more than 828 million people worldwide affected by the disease in 2022, up from 630 million in 1990. Diabetes UK is calling on the UK government to invest in improved healthcare services, including better support for newly diagnosed individuals and regular health screenings to identify complications early.
