Big increase in type 2 diabetes among under 40s

Andrew Gregory, Health Editor for The Guardian newspaper, reports on new figures from Diabetes UK, indicating that the number of people under 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK has surged by 39% in six years, driven by increasing obesity rates and the prevalence of cheap junk food. This rise outpaces the 25% increase seen in those over 40.

Britain faces alarming obesity rates, with two-thirds of adults overweight or obese, costing the NHS £6bn annually, projected to rise to £10bn by 2050.

Diabetes UK reports nearly 168,000 cases in under-40s, up from 120,000 in 2016/17, warning that this younger demographic often experiences more severe complications from the disease.

The increase is attributed to environmental and dietary changes over the past 25 years, which have led to a surge in obesity. Factors include widespread advertising of unhealthy foods and rising costs making healthy diets less accessible.

Social inequalities further exacerbate the problem, with those from deprived areas and certain ethnic backgrounds more likely to develop diabetes as a result of poor diet.

The impact extends to the economy, with a significant increase in long-term sickness and unemployment due to diabetes. Additionally, many young people remain undiagnosed, with half of those aged 16 to 44 unaware of their condition.

Diabetes UK and other health officials urge bold actions to create healthier environments, including affordable healthy food and accessible green spaces, to reverse the trend and give future generations a healthier start.

The government claims commitment to addressing the issue through research funding and regulatory measures, but critics call for more immediate and comprehensive action.

Comments from Allen Carr’s Easyway

John Dicey, Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway, comments,

“Far more focus needs to be placed on education, helping people of all ages understand that a diet high in ultra-processed food, processed and starchy carbohydrates, and refined sugar is causing them to become increasingly seriously ill. It’s simply incorrect to list obesity, health inequalities, and junk food as the causes of the increase in type 2 diabetes cases when the cause is largely a diet of ultra-processed food, junk food, processed and starchy carbohydrates, and refined sugar all of which fuel obesity and health inequalities”.

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