A RECORD five million-plus people have diabetes in a growing UK “health crisis”, a charity warns.
Nine in ten of them have Type 2, which is triggered by junk food and lazy lifestyles.
More than five million Brits have diabetes in a growing ‘health crisis’Getty – Contributor
Diabetes UK says 4.3million people have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 — and an estimated 850,000 more have the condition but do not know.
Charity CEO Chris Askew said: “These figures show we’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating crisis.
“Spiralling numbers of people are now living with Type 2 diabetes and millions are at high risk of developing the condition.
“The fear of serious complications is a life-long reality for millions of people across the UK.”
Type 2 diabetes causes the body to lose control of blood sugar levels and patients can end up having limbs amputated or suffering strokes and heart attacks.
Two-thirds of the population are overweight, which raises their risk of the condition.
Red flag symptoms include peeing a lot, feeling constantly thirsty, severe tiredness and unexplained weight loss.
An estimated 2.4million people are at “high risk” of Type 2 diabetes with an alarming increase among the under-40s.
But Mr Askew added: “With the right care and support, cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission.”
The key symptoms of diabetes you must know
The NHS states you should visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of the main symptoms of diabetes which include:
feeling very thirsty
peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
feeling very tired
weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
cuts or wounds that heal slowly
blurred vision