The UK ranks among the worst in Europe with the most overweight and obese adults, according to the World Health Organisation. Based on obesity rates alone, the UK is third behind Turkey and Malta. Rising numbers of overweight and obese children and young adults across the UK are now translating into an “alarming acceleration” in cases of type 2 diabetes among 18 to 39-year-olds, according to analysis by Diabetes UK. There is a close relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. There is a sevenfold risk of type 2 diabetes in obese people compared to those of a healthy weight, and a threefold risk for those who are simply overweight. The number of people under 40 in the UK diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has risen by 23% from around 120,000 in 2016/17 to 148,000 in 2020/21, according to Diabetes UK. This represents a faster rate of growth than the increase in cases among the over-40s, who still make up the vast majority of cases. In 2016/17, there were around 3 million people over 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This has increased by 18% to around 3.6 million in 2020/2021. “This analysis confirms an incredibly worrying development trend, highlighting how serious obesity-related health conditions are becoming more prevalent in a younger demographic,” said Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK. He added: “While it is important to remember that type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with many other risk factors such as genetics, family history and ethnicity, these statistics should serve as a serious warning to policy makers and our NHS. “They mark a shift from what we’ve seen historically with type 2 diabetes and underscore why we’re calling on the government to move forward with evidence-based policies aimed at improving our nation’s health and addressing the stark health inequalities that exist in places of the United Kingdom”. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was quite rare in people under the age of 40, so many people – including healthcare professionals – don’t always recognize the symptoms. Although the number of people under 40 with the condition represents a small percentage of all affected, it can have more severe and acute consequences in younger people and, without the right treatment and support, can lead to serious complications, he said. Diabetes UK. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “If you’re under 40, you’re not immune to type 2 diabetes,” Askew said. “It is vital that you control your risk now and that people, regardless of age or background, are given the opportunity to access support to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.” Diabetes UK is encouraging people under 40 to check their risk of the disease using the free online tool on its website. The condition can have a devastating impact on people and their families – it is the leading cause of preventable vision loss and lower limb amputation and increases the risk of kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes. There is strong evidence that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in people at risk through improved diet, increased physical activity and weight loss.
