One in Five UK Adults Affected by Diabetes or Prediabetes, New Data Shows

Diabetes UK warns of a 'hidden health crisis' as diagnoses reach record levels, urging government action and increased prevention efforts.

New analysis reveals that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, the highest number on record, marking a rise from 4.4 million last year.
An estimated 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, while 6.3 million are believed to have prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes UK has called for urgent government action, including improved NHS Health Checks and expanded prevention programs to address rising cases and undiagnosed individuals.
The charity highlights a concerning increase in type 2 diabetes diagnoses among younger people, with associated risks of cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy.
Lifestyle changes such as healthier diets, increased physical activity, and weight loss are emphasized as key measures to prevent or delay the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.