New cases of diabetes have risen by a THIRD in just 10 years
- Since 2005 there has been increase of 1.5 million people with diabetes
- There are 4.5 million sufferers in the UK – and a quarter remain unaware
- The sharp rise has been blamed on the growing obesity crisis – a risk factor
- During the past year there has been an increase of 137,000 type 2 patients
- Figures also show 65 people die each day from diabetes-complications
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
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New cases of diabetes have risen by more than a third in just a decade, shocking figures show.
More than 4.5 million adults in the UK now have diabetes, an increase of around 1.5 million since 2005.
This includes an estimated one million who suffer from type 2 diabetes but are unaware of their condition.
Experts blame the sharp rise on the growing obesity crisis – the biggest risk factor for the preventable strain of the condition.
During the past year there has been an increase of 137,000 type 2 patients alone – which can be managed through a healthy lifestyle and exercise.
More than 4.5 million adults in the UK now have diabetes, an increase of around 1.5 million since 2005, new figures show
Figures released by Diabetes UK also show that 65 people die each day a result of complications resulting from the condition.
They also found 20 people a day underwent diabetes-related amputations – but more than 80 per cent could have been prevented.
More than 200 people a day suffered heart failure, 78 had a stroke and just under 40 needed dialysis or kidney transplants – all as a result of the condition.
But experts say such complications can often be avoided or delayed if people with diabetes are supported to manage it well.
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The charity’s chief executive, Chris Askew, said: ‘Diabetes is a killer. It’s a serious condition with serious, life-threatening complications. And it is the fastest-growing epidemic of our time.
‘The more you know about diabetes, the better. Cutting your risk of developing devastating complications is crucial.’
Type 2 diabetes is believed to cost the NHS £10.3 billion each year – around 10 per cent of its budget.
It is common in overweight adults as fat around the stomach releases chemicals into the blood stream which can reduce insulin sensitivity.
During the past year there has been an increase of 137,000 type 2 patients alone – which is often found in overweight people
Often thought of as harmless, the preventable condition is a hidden killer and can lead to heart failure, blindness, kidney disease and leg amputations.
Of the extreme costs of the condition, the NHS spends nearly one billion pounds a year on foot ulcers and amputations from type 2 diabetes.
Before 2000, there had never been a single case of a child being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK.
But worryingly, the number of children aged 16 and under affected from the debilitating condition has doubled since 2005, experts say.
More than 500 have developed type 2 diabetes as a result of poor diet and the obesity crisis, alarming figures revealed earlier this year.
Type 1, where sufferers are unable to produce insulin, is far less common and is believed to be responsible for just one in ten cases.
Diabetes UK is now calling on the government and NHS to address the low take-up of life-saving diabetes education courses.
The charity suggests a target of at least one in two people with the condition taking part by 2020.
Mr Askew added: ‘Diabetes is set to rise dramatically in the next five years, so it is vital diabetes is more widely understood, and governments and health bodies listen and take action.
‘Significant investment in diabetes care and prevention by UK and national governments and the NHS, begins to recognise the scale of the challenge.
‘This needs to be sustained to provide enough effective care for everyone living with diabetes and tackling the rapid rise of type 2.’
Scientists previously predicted that by 2025 almost one in four adults in the UK will be obese – increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes.
It is believed the epidemic will result in more than a million extra cases of the preventable condition, heart disease and cancer.
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