Health experts have warned of a startling rise in the number of under 40s being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK.
According to an analysis by Diabetes UK, there is an ‘alarming acceleration’ of type 2 diabetes occurring among 18 to 39 year olds.
This follows the growing epidemic of overweight and obese children and young adults across the UK.
Those who are obese are seven times more likely to be at risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those of a healthy weight.
More people than ever are at risk – Diabetes UK predict that 5.5 million people in the UK will have the condition by 2030.
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‘Serious warning’
Chris Askew is the chief executive of the charity. Reported in The Guardian, he believes the NHS and policymakers should take note of the emerging trend.
‘This analysis confirms an incredibly troubling growing trend. [It underlines] how serious health conditions related to obesity are becoming more and more prevalent in a younger demographic,’ he said.
‘While it’s important to remember that type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with multiple other risk factors, such as genetics, family history and ethnicity, these statistics should serve as a serious warning to policymakers and our NHS.’
Newly diagnosed
According to data by the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit, the UK has also seen an increase in the condition among young people.
The audit found 973 children and young people with type 2 diabetes being cared for in Paediatric Diabetes Units (PDU). Around 230 (23.6%) were newly diagnosed within the audit year. The findings suggest:
- An increase of 107 (12.4%) compared to the total number reported in 2019/20
- Higher risk of the condition was found in girls and those of non-white ethnicity. It was also found in those living in the most deprived areas.
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