Diabetes diagnoses in the UK have more than doubled in 20 years

The number of diabetes diagnoses in the UK has more than doubled over the past 20 years, according to a new analysis from charity Diabetes UK.
Statistics demonstrate that 3.7 million adults and teenagers aged 17 or older now live with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, a figure which has doubled since 1998 when an estimated 1.8 million over 16s lived with diabetes.
The analysis did not break down the figures to distinguish between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, but obesity has been highlighted as a major factor in the increased type 2 diabetes prevalence.
The findings are not as bleak as they seem though. For many years now research has laid bare how eating a healthy diet low in carbohydrate and high in healthy fat can help aid with weight loss and normalise blood sugar control. In thousands of cases, our Low Carb Program has helped to put type 2 diabetes into remission and prevent prediabetes turning into type 2 diabetes.
While type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, eating a low carb diet and getting regular exercise has shown to improve health in people with the autoimmune condition by restoring blood sugar control and lowering the risk of complications.
Prof Andrew Hattersley of University of Exeter Medical School believes the statistics indicate improved life expectancy and better care of people with diabetes, such as improved control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
“This data is actually good news,” said Hattersley. “The increase in numbers reflects improved treatment of patients more than it reflects increasing obesity.”
Benedict Jephcote, Editor of Diabetes.co.uk, said: “The figures now show that one in 18 adults in the UK have a form of diabetes. The fact that people are living with diabetes longer adds to the importance that we treat diabetes in a way that allows people to manage their health without relying on multiple medications where possible.
“We live in an age where it is now well understood that diabetes can become easier, rather than more difficult, to manage over time. Diabetes.co.uk is working with some of the most forward-thinking doctors and healthcare professionals to help people choose a way of life that improves not only blood sugar but all-round health.”