Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
26 September 2013 09:10
A charity has warned that the number of people with Type 2 diabetes is expected to surge to five million in the coming years
A charity has warned that the UK is heading for a "public health disaster" as the number of people with Type 2 diabetes is expected to surge to 5 million by 2025.
Diabetes UK claims not enough is being done to prevent the condition, something which is putting "huge strain" on the NHS.
A total of 3.8 million people nationwide currently suffer from Type 2 diabetes, although researchers say some do not realise how serious it can be.
The charity states less than a third of the population realise the condition can lead to serious health complications such as amputation, heart attack, blindness and stroke, while a number of sufferers are not taking it seriously enough or making the right lifestyle changes.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body are unable to produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly.
It roughly accounts for 85% of diabetes sufferers, but it can be treated with exercise and an improved diet.
People with Type 2 diabetes should plan their travel and holidays in advance and seek advice wherever necessary. Diet, exercise and medication are all key factors that should be considered, while taking out pre-existing medical travel insurance before jetting off is advised for added peace of mind.
To help raise awareness, Diabetes UK has launched a national campaign to have the risk of Type 2 diabetes assessed.
"This survey makes it clear that most people do not understand the potential consequences of developing it and I worry that until we finally lay to rest the myth that Type 2 diabetes is a mild condition, it will continue to be seen as something that is not worth being concerned about," said Barbara Young, chief executive of the charity.
"This is a misconception that is wrecking lives and is the reason that as a country we are sleepwalking towards a public health disaster of an almost unimaginable scale."
22 June 2018
The number of older people diagnosed with cancer is set to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, according to experts.
[more...]
21 June 2018
Patients value their relationship with a GP more importantly than surgery opening times, according to new research.
Only 3% of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer are living more than five years after being diagnosed, new analysis has shown.
19 June 2018
An England fan has urged supporters back home to head to Russia and experience the warm welcome he's been enjoying from locals.
14 June 2018
A new, low-cost portable device to help protect communities in Columbia from contaminated water has been developed by British engineers.
12 June 2018
As we near the opening match of football's grandest celebration on Thursday, fans are beginning to arrive in enthusiastic droves in Moscow.
09 June 2018
Scientists are trialling blood tests to find out the risk expecting mothers have of delivering prematurely.
08 June 2018
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holiday-goers that some commonly-prescribed medicines are "controlled drugs" in certain countries.
A new lung cancer drug which is said to stretch life expectancy by a year is being introduced to the NHS.
06 June 2018
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
05 June 2018
Care home demanded to make improvements amid "serious concerns"
30 May 2018
Academics have announced their plans to examine suicide risk in men, as well as the ways to reduce it.