A new government report has revealed that one million adults in the UK are likely to have undiagnosed diabetes and at least 5.1 million have pre-diabetes. Many of them are young, of average weight, and have no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s essential to get a simple blood test, say leading experts.
Shocking new figures released by the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that an estimated one million adults have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Even worse, 50% of those infected under the age of 44 may not be diagnosed. In 2019, there were around 14,000 diabetes-related deaths in the UK. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Director at the London Institute of Medical Research, says: “Diabetes is an invisible killer that can shorten your lifespan by up to 10 years.” Untreated diabetes can lead to blindness, amputation, and death. Prompt treatment is important. Millions of Brits are already being treated for type 2 diabetes, but these new figures show that around 30% of people with ‘full-blown’ type 2 diabetes don’t know it. It is made clear that Ironically, the younger you are and the healthier you appear, the more likely your diabetes will go undiagnosed.
“The numbers are even worse for prediabetics, people who are on the verge of developing ‘full-blown’ diabetes. According to the ONS, around one in nine Brits has pre-diabetes, which equates to around 5.1 million adults.
“Thirty percent of people with diabetes and potentially millions of people with prediabetes remain undiagnosed, even though both diabetes and prediabetes can be identified with a simple finger prick blood test. It’s amazing to think that. Remember that prediabetes is a completely reversible condition. With basic changes in lifestyle and diet, people can reliably return to full health and almost can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
“Older people and people who are overweight may be tested for the disease. But there are many people who may have diabetes, or at least pre-diabetes, who are not tested. , including people who are in better health, have a lower body mass index (BMI), or who are considered “low risk.” ONS own statistics show that 8% of people who are not overweight or obese are known to have pre-diabetes. This represents a missed opportunity to intervene in a group of people for whom relatively large positive outcomes could be achieved.
“Relatedly, prediabetics are less likely to experience symptoms, meaning their condition goes unnoticed even at the threshold of type 2 diabetes, where irreversible damage has already occurred. “That’s why we “Point your finger at diabetes.” A campaign was launched last year to identify undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with a simple finger prick blood test.
“Increased testing is essential to see who among us is among those at risk. The most accurate test to identify prediabetes is known as the HbA1c test. It can be done at your local healthcare facility, but is now also available as an innovative and convenient home finger stick test from the London Medical Laboratory.
“The earlier this problem is detected, the better it can be treated. People who discover they have prediabetes should take it as a warning sign that they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Good The news is that prediabetes is not yet ‘full’ diabetes, and with the right support, up to 50% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
The London Institute of Medical Research’s finger prick HbA1c ‘Diabetes – Diagnosis and Monitoring’ test is considered the gold standard for routine testing. It is used to measure the average level of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months to accurately monitor and diagnose diabetes. This test can be taken at home via post or at one of his many drop-in clinics offering these tests in over 120 carefully selected pharmacies and health stores in London and across the country. I can.
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London Institute of Medical Research
