Why your support is so important

Diabetes is the fastest-growing health threat in the UK. There are 3 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and around 850,000 more who have Type 2 diabetes but don't know it. Around 7 million adults in the UK – that's one in seven – are at high risk of diabetes, and that number is rising all the time. It's also a major cause of lower limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure and stroke. Each year in the UK, 24,000 people die early from diabetes.

It doesn't have to be this way

With effective support, people with diabetes can live a long and healthy life, and avoid the complications linked to diabetes. Up to 80 per cent of cases of Type 2 diabetes can also be delayed or prevented.

That's where Diabetes UK comes in. We're the leading charity that cares for, connects with, and campaigns on behalf of people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Because we are here, no one has to go through their diabetes journey alone.

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes can't produce insulin. No one knows what causes it, but it's not to do with being overweight. It usually affects children or young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly.

People with Type 2 diabetes don't produce enough insulin, or their insulin doesn't work properly. They might get Type 2 diabetes because their family history, age and background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, and usually affects people over 40.

Find out more about diabetes. You can also find more information on the risk factors and symptoms, and use our map to find out more about the prevalence of diabetes in your area.

Diabetes is the fastest-growing health threat in the UK: 3 million people in the UK living with diabetes; 7 million adults in the UK are at high risk; 24,000 people who die early from diabetes each year