The number of people living with Type 2 diabetes is rising fast, largely as a result of the nation's expanding waistlines. This page explains what steps are urgently needed to stem the obesity crisis to stop rising numbers of Type 2 diabetes. This includes policy change from government to make our society healthier, securing early identification for those at increased risk and helping everyone know their own risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Why is prevention important?
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing and most potentially devastating conditions. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled over the last 10 years. That means around 700 are newly diagnosed every day. This crisis shows no signs of stopping.
Whilst Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetesis being overweight or obese. With almost two in every three people in the UK overweight or obese there are now 11.9 million people at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
We know that if we were able to reduce the nation’s waistlines, we could prevent a large majority of Type 2 diabetes cases. It’s also vital that we identify those who have Type 2 diabetes as early as possible to help people control their condition and reduce their risk of complications.
