Latest news with #ColetteMarshall
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Almost a third of deaths from heart disease in England occur in diabetes patients, report finds
Almost a third of deaths from cardiovascular disease in England occur in people with diabetes, according to analysis by a leading charity. A report by Diabetes UK has found that 29% of deaths from the disease in England occurred in people with diabetes, out of a total of 144,590 deaths in 2022, according to analysis of the National Diabetes Audit. This figure has risen dramatically in recent decades. In 2009 only 15% of deaths from cardiovascular disease occurred in people with diabetes, out of a total of 147,820 deaths. The report also found the UK spends £10.7bn on diabetes care each year, with the figure set to rise to £18bn by 2035, while just 61.3% of people received all of the recommended care processes for people living with diabetes in 2023-24. More than a third of these missed at least one of these checks. An estimated 5.8 million people across the UK are living with diabetes, and about 90% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. The report called for the government's upcoming 10-year health plan to confirm the target of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease by a quarter, and that clear metrics should be outlined on how this target will be reached. Colette Marshall, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: 'Diabetes shouldn't be a gateway to ill health but, right now, this is the devastating reality facing millions of people living with the condition. Diabetes leads to 812 strokes, 568 heart attacks and 2,909 cases of heart failure each week in England alone. But this can and must change. 'The government has already laid out its aims for the 10-year health plan, which is focused on switching the dial from sickness to the prevention of ill health. If they are to succeed in this aim, diabetes must be an integral part of their plans. 'We already have the tools and knowledge to successfully make this shift. Now we need the political will to fully deliver it. The government must act now, so no life is cut short by diabetes.' Kamlesh Khunti, a professor of primary care diabetes and vascular medicine at the University of Leicester, said: 'The findings of this report underscore the critical importance of cardiovascular health management in individuals with diabetes. We now have ample evidence that if we do the simple things well – like controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose – we can significantly reduce complications and improve both the quality and length of life for people with diabetes. 'However, this report shows that one in three people do not receive the simple care processes that every person with diabetes should receive. This is just not good enough with the evidence that we have. We also now have specific therapies that prevent cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.' NHS England have been approached for comment.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
12.2 Million Brits are Affected by Diabetes, Finds Study – Here's What This Means for Your Health
A recent analysis by charity body Diabetes UK has revealed that a sobering one in five adults in the UK – totalling 12.2 million people – are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. This includes 4.6 million diagnosed cases, 1.3 million undiagnosed cases, and 6.3 million individuals with pre-diabetes: a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Although not diagnosable as diabetes, pre-diabetes can indicate an increased risk of developing the condition, as well as other complications such as heart disease, and stroke. The surge in diabetes cases is primarily driven by an increase in type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases in the UK. The charity say that factors contributing to this rise could include escalating obesity rates and an increasingly shifting diet landscape. Colette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, emphasises, 'While obesity is not the only factor that increases risk of type 2 diabetes, we're concerned that the rise in the number of those living with obesity is translating into soaring cases of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes across the UK.' Marshall is advocating for bold government action to reform the food environment and promote healthier eating habits. She states, 'We are seeing increasingly unhealthy diets, driven in part by promotions of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, resulting in unhealthy food often being the easiest option.' She calls for incentivising healthier food and drink production and expanding measures like the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (commonly known at the sugar tax) to include other high-fat, high-sugar products. 'Expanding [the sugar tax] to include other food and drink products that are high in fat, salt and sugar, are crucial measures that could make a real difference to the health of the nation.' Writing in an open letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Marshall also made a plea for the government to prioritise supporting those living with diabetes and its related conditions in the governments upcoming 10-year health plan, calling for increased support for NHS schemes. 'It's critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes but are completely unaware of it,' Marshall added. Understanding these statistics drives home the importance of taking stock of our own health and lifestyle, regular health check-ups and being aware of diabetes risk factors. Early detection of pre-diabetes provides us with an opportunity to make lifestyle changes – such as adopting a more skilful diet and increasing physical activity – that can prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. While the analysis provides an overview, it's important to note that the figures are estimates based on the data currently available. The actual number of individuals with undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes may differ. Additionally, while lifestyle changes are effective preventive measures, individual responses can differ based on genetics and other health factors. Seeking qualified medical guidance, alongside making sustainable lifestyle changes is always advised if you are concerned about your risk factors. Research Shows Omega-3 Supplements Could Slow Down Ageing This is Why Creatine Could be Effective for Treatment of Depression, According to New Research Why You Should Stop Exercising to Lose Weight Why 'Fat-Burning Exercises' Don't Exist Follow This Ruck and Lift Plan for Next-Level Strength and Stamina You Might Also Like The 23 Best Foods to Build Muscle 10 of the Best Waterproof Boots to Buy in 2019 6 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
One in five UK adults ‘living with diabetes or prediabetes'
One in five adults in the UK is thought to be living with diabetes or prediabetes, which causes higher than normal blood sugars and carries a greater risk of developing the condition, according to new analysis. The total includes millions of people who are not yet diagnosed, Diabetes UK said. The charity warned that the country is facing a 'hidden health crisis' and urged the Government to act in an open letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary. It has called for those who are living with undiagnosed diabetes to be 'urgently' identified, along with more investment for prevention programmes that promote lifestyle changes. The new figures from Diabetes UK claim 4.6 million people in the UK have a diabetes diagnosis, the highest on record and an increase on the 4.4 million reported a year ago. This includes about 8% with type 1 diabetes, which happens when a person cannot produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Some 90% have type 2 diabetes, which happens when the body does not use insulin properly, while 2% have different and rarer forms of the condition. Meanwhile, Diabetes UK estimates a further 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, with about 6.3 million people living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. The latest Diabetes UK figures mean more than 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity said. Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: 'These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the government must act now. 'There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications.' In an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK called for the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan to 'prioritise urgently identifying those with pre-diabetes and those who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes' through 'improved NHS Health Checks'. It also called for more investment in prevention schemes such as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which promotes lifestyle changes to those at risk of developing type 2. The letter warns that diabetes 'is a gateway to many other serious health issues', like strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. Last year, research by Diabetes UK warned the condition could cost the NHS almost £18 billion by 2035 if action is not taken. Research published by the charity last May also highlighted a 40% increase in the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK who are younger than 40. Ms Marshall added: 'With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it. 'The sooner we can find and get them the care they need, the more harm we can prevent.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'It's extremely concerning that there are high numbers of adults living with type 2 diabetes. That's exactly why preventative action is crucial. 'As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are committed to a shift from sickness to prevention to enable everyone to live a healthy life for longer. 'We are taking action to tackle type 2 diabetes-related lifestyle factors head on, including restricting junk food advertising on TV and online. 'We are also developing a new digital NHS Health Check that people can use at home to understand their risk of diabetes and how to reduce it.'
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What is prediabetes?
New analysis from Diabetes UK reveals that one in five adults in the UK are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. The latest figures show that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, the highest number on record and an increase from the 4.4 million reported last year. The charity also estimates that an additional 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, while around 6.3 million are living with prediabetes. Commenting on these statistics, Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: 'These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. 'With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it.' So, what is prediabetes exactly, and what should we know about it? What is prediabetes? 'Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, more commonly known as prediabetes, means that a person's blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,' says Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK. 'Having higher than normal blood sugars means someone is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.' What are some common misconceptions about it? 'Prediabetes has sometimes been related to a feeling of inevitability that a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented. But we know that many people may be able to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with the right support,' clarifies Twenefour. Do you display any symptoms with prediabetes? 'Prediabetes doesn't have any symptoms, and if you start to have any of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes which can include going to the toilet more often, especially at night, and feeling tired, it means you have probably already developed it,' says Twenefour. 'So, it's important to know the risk factors and what support is available that could help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.' Who is more at risk? 'The reasons why someone develops type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex, they include genetic, environmental and biological factors,' says Twenefour. 'Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include living with obesity, being over the age of 40, or 25 for those from African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian communities, living with a high waist measurement, or having an immediate family member with diabetes. 'Other factors in your environment, like poverty or deprivation and inequality, may also increase your risk.' How is it diagnosed? ' People are commonly identified by their GP, or in England following an NHS Health Check, or online such as through Diabetes UK's free online Know Your Risk tool,' says Twenefour. 'Higher than normal blood sugars can be detected via blood tests and these tests help healthcare teams to understand a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.' Dr Matt McCarter, NHS GP and clinical lead at Habitual, says a HbA1c test or fasting blood sugar test are usually used. 'These should be carried out during regular checks for those who are high risk, such as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and/or people who have previous experienced a heart attack or stroke,' says McCarter. What can people do to prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes? Monitor blood sugar levels 'Regular check-ups can help track progress and make necessary adjustments,' says McCarter. Quit smoking ' Smoking increases insulin resistance,' notes McCarter. Increase physical activity 'Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week,' advises McCarter. Adopt a healthy diet 'Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and reduce sugary foods,' recommends McCarter. Lose weight 'Even a modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly reduce risk,' says McCarter.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
One in five UK adults ‘living with diabetes or prediabetes', data shows
One in five adults in the UK is thought to be living with diabetes or prediabetes, which causes higher than normal blood sugars and carries a greater risk of developing the condition, according to new analysis. The total includes millions of people who are not yet diagnosed, Diabetes UK said. The charity warned that the country is facing a 'hidden health crisis' and urged the Government to act in an open letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary. It has called for those who are living with undiagnosed diabetes to be 'urgently' identified, along with more investment for prevention programmes that promote lifestyle changes. The new figures from Diabetes UK claim 4.6 million people in the UK have a diabetes diagnosis, the highest on record and an increase on the 4.4 million reported a year ago. This includes about 8% with type 1 diabetes, which happens when a person cannot produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Some 90% have type 2 diabetes, which happens when the body does not use insulin properly, while 2% have different and rarer forms of the condition. Meanwhile, Diabetes UK estimates a further 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, with about 6.3 million people living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. The latest Diabetes UK figures mean more than 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity said. Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: 'These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. 'There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications.' In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK called for the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan to 'prioritise urgently identifying those with pre-diabetes and those who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes' through 'improved NHS Health Checks'. It also called for more investment in prevention schemes such as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which promotes lifestyle changes to those at risk of developing type 2. With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it Colette Marshall, Diabetes UK The letter warns that diabetes 'is a gateway to many other serious health issues', like strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. Last year, research by Diabetes UK warned the condition could cost the NHS almost £18 billion by 2035 if action is not taken. Research published by the charity last May also highlighted a 40% increase in the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK who are younger than 40. Ms Marshall added: 'With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it. 'The sooner we can find and get them the care they need, the more harm we can prevent.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'It's extremely concerning that there are high numbers of adults living with type 2 diabetes. That's exactly why preventative action is crucial. 'As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are committed to a shift from sickness to prevention to enable everyone to live a healthy life for longer. 'We are taking action to tackle type 2 diabetes-related lifestyle factors head on, including restricting junk food advertising on TV and online. 'We are also developing a new digital NHS Health Check that people can use at home to understand their risk of diabetes and how to reduce it.'
