Diabetes diagnoses hits 50,729 in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
The total in the UK has passed five million
New data from Diabetes UK shows 50,729 people have been diagnosed with diabetes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
That number has increased from 48,804 last year.
In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the prevalence is now 7.5% while the national average for England is 7.3%.
The figures show that 4.3 million people are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK, with approximately 90 per cent of the cases being type 2. About 8% are type 1, with the other forms of the condition make up the remaining 2%.
The organisation has also estimated an additional 850,000 people are living with diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed, bringing the overall UK-wide figure beyond the five-million mark.
Diabetes UK said this must be a key part of local health leaders’ plans and central to the Government’s forthcoming Major Conditions Strategy with the focus on preventing type 2 diabetes, supporting those at high risk and working to reduce health inequalities in communities where the prevalence of type 2 is worryingly higher than the general population, argues the charity.
More than 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Without the right care and support, people with all types of diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications. Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure.
Peter Shorrick, Head of Midlands and East at Diabetes UK said:
“Diabetes is serious, and every diagnosis is life changing. It’s a relentless condition, and the fear of serious complications is a lifelong reality for millions of people across the UK.
“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 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.”
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes is important.
They include the 4Ts:
Toilet (going for a wee a lot, especially at night)
Thirsty (being really thirsty)
Tired (feeling more tired than usual)
Thinner (losing weight without trying).
You can find out more information about the signs and symptoms of all types of diabetes, and use the Know Your Risk tool on the Diabetes UK website.