NHS statistics show that more than half a million people will be diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2023, putting them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a year.
The latest National Diabetes Audit found that more than 3.6 million people registered with a GP will have pre-diabetes, or non-diabetic hyperglycemia, in 2023, up from just over 3 million in 2022 – up around 18%.
The increase is particularly large among people under the age of 40, which is expected to increase from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023.
It comes as Diabetes UK figures reveal there has been an “alarming” rise in the number of people under 40 with type 2 diabetes in recent years, up 39% since 2016.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “These figures are worrying but they show exactly why the NHS is taking bold action to halt the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes through our world-first prevention programme and soup and shakes diet.”
“Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and is linked to kidney failure, amputations, heart attacks, strokes and many common types of cancer, as well as placing an increasing strain on NHS services.”
“Doing nothing is not an option for the NHS, which is why we will continue to develop services to help people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes live healthier lives. I urge anyone worried about developing the disease to come forward and get the help they need.”
This year, the NHS Road to Remission of Type 2 Diabetes programme will be expanded to cover all areas of the ICB, doubling its reach from last year.
