Reader TTS

One in five adults in the UK is thought to be living with diabetes or prediabetes, which causes higher than normal blood sugars and carries a greater risk of developing the condition,

according to new analysis. The total includes millions of people who are not yet diagnosed, Diabetes UK said. The charity warned that the country is facing a “hidden health crisis” and urged

the Government to act in an open letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary. It has called for those who are living with undiagnosed diabetes to be “urgently” identified, along with

more investment for prevention programmes that promote lifestyle changes. The new figures from Diabetes UK claim 4.6 million people in the UK have a diabetes diagnosis, the highest on record

and an increase on the 4.4 million reported a year ago. This includes about 8% with type 1 diabetes, which happens when a person cannot produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn

glucose into energy. Some 90% have type 2 diabetes, which happens when the body does not use insulin properly, while 2% have different and rarer forms of the condition. Meanwhile, Diabetes

UK estimates a further 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, with about 6.3 million people living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes. If left

untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. The latest Diabetes UK figures mean more than

12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity said. Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “These latest figures

highlight the hidden health crisis we’re facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of

diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications.” In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK

called for the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan to “prioritise urgently identifying those with pre-diabetes and those who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes” through “improved NHS Health

Checks”. It also called for more investment in prevention schemes such as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which promotes lifestyle changes to those at risk of developing type 2. The

letter warns that diabetes “is a gateway to many other serious health issues”, like strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. Last year, research by Diabetes UK warned the condition could

cost the NHS almost £18 billion by 2035 if action is not taken. Research published by the charity last May also highlighted a 40% increase in the number of people diagnosed with type 2

diabetes in the UK who are younger than 40. Ms Marshall added: “With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it’s also critical that much more is done to

find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it. The sooner we can find and get them the care they need, the more harm we can

prevent.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “It’s extremely concerning that there are high numbers of adults living with type 2 diabetes. That’s exactly why preventative

action is crucial. As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are committed to a shift from sickness to prevention to enable everyone to live a healthy life for longer. “We are taking action to

tackle type 2 diabetes-related lifestyle factors head on, including restricting junk food advertising on TV and online. We are also developing a new digital NHS Health Check that people can

use at home to understand their risk of diabetes and how to reduce it.” SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES AND PREDIABETES PREDIABETES SYMPTOMS Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, but some people

may experience: * DARKENED SKIN PATCHES (Acanthosis Nigricans) on the neck, armpits, or groin * INCREASED THIRST * FREQUENT URINATION * FATIGUE * MILD BLURRED VISION DIABETES SYMPTOMS (TYPE

1 & TYPE 2) Symptoms of diabetes can develop suddenly (especially in Type 1) or gradually (in Type 2). COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BOTH TYPES: * Excessive THIRST (polydipsia) * Frequent URINATION

(polyuria) * INCREASED HUNGER (polyphagia) * Unexplained WEIGHT LOSS * FATIGUE * BLURRED VISION * SLOW-HEALING WOUNDS or frequent infections * NUMBNESS OR TINGLING in hands/feet SYMPTOMS

MORE COMMON IN TYPE 1 DIABETES: * RAPID WEIGHT LOSS * EXTREME FATIGUE AND WEAKNESS * NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR STOMACH PAIN * FRUITY-SMELLING BREATH (a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis) SYMPTOMS

MORE COMMON IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: * FREQUENT INFECTIONS (e.g., skin, gums, or urinary tract infections) * DARKENED SKIN PATCHES (Acanthosis Nigricans) * GRADUAL WEIGHT GAIN If you or someone

you know has these symptoms, it’s best to get a blood sugar test to rule out prediabetes or diabetes