The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has topped five million for the first time, a new report reveals.
New figures from Diabetes UK show that 4.3 million people are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK.
Figures for 2021-22 are up by 148,951 from 2020-21. In addition, more than 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Around 90% of diagnoses are of type 2 diabetes, while around 8% of diagnoses are type 1 diabetes.
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The charity also estimates there are an additional 850,000 people living with diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed. This means the overall UK figure surpasses five million.
Chris Askew OBE is the chief executive of Diabetes UK. He said: ‘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 also 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.’
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Low-calorie diets
This comes as a GP and health expert suggests a low-carb lifestyle helps patients lose weight and even reverse type 2 diabetes.
Dr David Unwin said a low-calorie diet plan reversed type 2 diabetes in more than half of his patients who were on the programme.
Results showed an overall remission of type 2 diabetes was achieved in 51% of cases.
These will now be analysed by NHS officials, who are carrying out a national low-calorie diet programme to treat the conditions.
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