Over half a million (549,000) people in England are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes in a year, according to new NHS data.
The National Diabetes Audit found that between 2022-23, cases of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or pre-diabetes increased by 18% in the general population and by 25% in under 40s. People with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia have blood sugar levels that are above the normal range, so are at a greater risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard called this a ‘concerning trend’ and said the ‘number of under-40s at risk of type-2 diabetes is driven by junk food and obesity’.
‘The NHS is taking radical action to stem the tide of rising levels of obesity and type-2 diabetes through our world first [diabetes] prevention programme and our soup and shakes diets. Type-2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services,’ she said.
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Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is usually diagnosed by a blood test at a GP surgery. NHS data shows that of the 1.8 million people identified as pre-diabetic in 2018/19, 16% were recorded as having type-2 diabetes three years later, which Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director of diabetes and obesity at NHS England said is an ‘ever increasing challenge for the NHS’.
She added: ‘Now entering its second year, the NHS England-funded Type-2 Diabetes and the Young (T2DAY) initiative supports additional clinical reviews for those aged 18 to 39 years old living with type-2 diabetes. The initiative helps to ensure that people living with early onset type-2 diabetes receive all recommended diabetes health checks, tailored support according to their individual needs, and evidence-based management to stay well and avoid complications.’
In addition to the T2DAY initiative, people living with type-2 diabetes and excess weight or obesity in England will also be able to access the NHS Type-2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme this year to help them lose weight and improve their health.