Substantial rise in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes in England, NHS reports
In a striking development reported by the NHS, the number of people in England identified as being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes has surged by over half a million in just one year. According to the latest data from the National Diabetes Audit, the figures for those diagnosed with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, commonly referred to as pre-diabetes, rose from 3,065,825 in 2022 to 3,615,330 in 2023—an increase nearing 18%.
The increase is particularly pronounced among the younger population under the age of 40, witnessing a surge of almost 25% from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023. This early identification is pivotal as it allows the NHS to intervene sooner with diagnoses and preventive measures to halt the progression of the condition.
Individuals identified with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia exhibit elevated blood glucose levels that, although not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis, significantly increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This condition is often detected during routine blood tests at GP surgeries.
To counteract this trend, the NHS has implemented several innovative measures aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes and reducing obesity rates. This includes the internationally acclaimed Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which, thus far, has enrolled over 1.6 million people. This nine-month intervention offers personalised support, focusing on healthy eating, lifestyle changes, enhanced physical activity, and weight management.
The implications of developing type 2 diabetes are severe and widespread, affecting not only the individual’s health but also placing a considerable strain on families and NHS resources. It is a leading cause of preventable sight loss among working-age individuals and contributes significantly to kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of cancer.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, highlighted the critical nature of these findings, stating, “These figures are concerning but they show exactly why the NHS is taking radical action to stem the tide of rising levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes – through our world first prevention programme and our soup and shakes diets. Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services. Doing nothing is not an option for the NHS, so we will continue to develop services that support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to lead healthier lives. If you are worried about developing the condition, please do come forward and get the help you need.”
In England, approximately 90% of individuals with diabetes have type 2. The risk factors are diverse, encompassing genetics, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors such as obesity.
Moreover, the NHS has dedicated £14.5 million to support up to 140,000 young individuals aged 18 to 39 with additional tailored health checks and diabetes management support. This initiative, dubbed ‘T2Day: Type 2 Diabetes and the Young’, offers enhanced one-to-one reviews and access to innovative treatments to better manage their condition and prevent complications.
Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director of Diabetes and Obesity at NHS England, remarked, “Type 2 diabetes in people under 40 is a growing problem globally – England is no exception, meaning there is an ever-increasing challenge for the NHS – which is why we developed this world-first targeted support for these high-risk people living with diabetes.”
Additionally, a new expansion of the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme aims to help more than 10,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity to lose weight and improve their health. This national programme is set to double its capacity this year, building on the success of over 23,000 people who have already participated since its inception in 2020.
The NHS in England currently allocates approximately £10 billion annually, about 10% of its total budget, to manage diabetes. This figure complements the £6.5 billion spent annually on obesity treatments. Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England has also provided £36 million to help local teams restore diabetes services to pre-pandemic levels.
The NHS Long Term Plan continues to outline crucial strategies aimed at reducing disparities in service access and improving the quality of treatment and outcomes for individuals living with diabetes, reinforcing the commitment to combat this escalating health challenge.