Nine in 10 cases are Type 2 diabetes, which is driven by obesity and almost one million more people are undiagnosed, the charity estimates, bringing the total number up to 4.7 million, a figure, which could reach 5.5 million by 2030.
The charity estimates that 12.3 million people in the UK are currently at risk of developing the condition as the trend follows ‘soaring’ rates of obesity. Britain has been dubbed the ‘fattest nation in Western Europe’, with rates of obesity rising even faster than those in the United States.
Chris Askew, Diabetes UK chief executive, said: “Millions of Type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented if we help people understand their risk and how to reduce it. Even though the older people get the more likely they are to have Type 2 diabetes, it is never too early to know your risk so that you can make changes to prevent or delay it.
“The signs of Type 2 diabetes are often not obvious, that’s why spotting them early can be life-changing. Early diagnosis means that fewer people will experience diabetes-related complications such as sight loss, amputation, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease, because they could seek support to manage their condition effectively as soon as possible.
“We urge people over 40 to get an NHS Health Check and we advise everyone to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with the know your risk tool.”