'Alarming' acceleration of diagnoses of type 2 diabetes amongst young people in East of England – Bedfordshire Live

The condition is known to have more severe and acute consequences in people under 40.
To stay up to date with all the latest news from across Bedfordshire sign up to our free newsletter for daily updates and all the latest breaking news
We have more newsletters
New research by Diabetes UK and Tesco has revealed an alarming acceleration in diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in younger age groups, with more than 13,000 people under 40-years-old in the East of England currently registered as having the condition.
The partnership between Diabetes UK and Tesco is urging people across the East of England to check their risk of type 2 diabetes through a free online tool as registered cases of type 2 in under-40s have risen by 23 per cent in the last five years. Cases are now rising fastest amongst young people according to analysis of NHS data.
The condition is known to have more severe consequences in people under 40. Without the right treatment and support, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications including kidney failure and heart disease. This comes as new research reveals that people under 40 from the East of England are generally unaware of many of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, or the devastating complications the condition can lead to.
READ MORE: The names and faces of the criminals jailed across Bedfordshire in October 2022
In response to the data, Diabetes UK and Tesco are launching a campaign across the UK to drive a million people to better understand their individual risk of type 2 diabetes by using Diabetes UK’s free online ‘Know Your Risk’ tool, or by visiting their local Tesco pharmacy.
Shannon Ball, 26 was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 16. She said: "I know how overwhelming a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be for a younger person – I’ve lived through it – and I also know how difficult it can be to know where to go for support or advice if you’re worried about your health. That’s why I want to help as many people as possible understand their risk of type 2 diabetes and find the support to act.
"I’m proof that with the right advice and support around you, it’s possible to feel more in control of your health. I hope this campaign shows people who are worried about their risk of type 2 diabetes that the help is there and gives them the confidence to go out and get it.”
The campaign comes ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14. In addition to launching an online risk assessment and in-store support at Tesco pharmacies, Tesco has also produced a series of healthy and budget-friendly recipes, which are available through the Tesco Real Food website.
Chris Askew, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK said: "This trend of rapidly-increasing early-onset type 2 diabetes is incredibly troubling. It marks a shift from what we’ve seen historically and should be taken as a serious warning to policymakers and our NHS.
"If you’re under 40, you’re not immune to type 2 diabetes. It is vital that you check your risk now and that individuals, no matter what their age or background, are given the opportunity to access support to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes."
To find out more about the risks of type 2 diabetes and to check whether you are at risk, go to: https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/c/start
READ NEXT:
Bedfordshire council struggling to recruit or keep staff
Good Food Awards names Bedford restaurant as a winner of 'highest accolade'
Inside the stunning 6-bed home with breath-taking views on the market for £1.5m
Temperatures milder in Bedfordshire than usual for the time of year
Former employee reveals what it's like behind the scenes at Center Parcs

source