Diagnoses of type 2 diabetes have increased at an “alarming” rate in people under 40, scientists say.
Poor diets and obesity are largely responsible for the 39 percent rise, a report suggests.
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The study, of Diabetes in the UKsaid people face a more aggressive and acute form of diabetes when it develops at younger ages, with thousands of people and children living undiagnosed with the disease across the country.
The authors say “dramatic changes” in the foods people eat and the environments they live in over the past 25 years are taking their toll.
“We are bombarded by advertisements for cheaper, unhealthy foods,” they wrote.
“The food on our shelves is increasingly high in fat, salt and sugar, and rising costs are putting millions of people off a healthy diet.
“These conditions, combined with genetic factors and stark inequalities, are driving increasing levels of obesity, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“When type 2 diabetes develops at a younger age, defined here as under 40 years of age, it is more acute and aggressive.
“It is also associated with an increased risk of more rapid onset of devastating complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss and even early death.”
Cases of type 2 diabetes among all under-40s have increased by more than 47,000 since 2016/17, according to the study.
This equates to a 39 percent increase, compared to a 25 percent increase for those over 40.
“We estimate that around 168,000 people under 40 are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK, with almost 150,000 people under 40 diagnosed in England alone.”
Thousands of people live with the disease undiagnosed, and analyzes suggest that half of people aged 16 to 44 with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it.
The report states that the causes of diabetes can be complex, but obese young people are at greater risk than older age groups.
Until 25 years ago, type 2 diabetes in children had never been seen in the UK.
But, according to the Diabetes UK study, “it is now increasing rapidly”.
It said: “People with type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 are more likely to live with obesity than those in older age groups. This is especially pronounced in children.
“Eighty-one percent of registered children with type 2 diabetes aged 18 and under are obese and 10 percent are overweight.”
The study authors also pointed to “gross inequalities” in diabetes rates, as people from the most disadvantaged areas and those from black and South Asian backgrounds were more likely to develop the disease.
Regarding the impact on work, the report states that 43,000 people are unemployed due to long-term illnesses “mainly due to diabetes, an increase of 79 percent since 2019”.
Diabetes is also listed as a secondary condition for hundreds of thousands of people who are currently unable to work, the study said.
This comes as the number of people furloughed from work due to long-term illness has reached a record high of more than 2.8 million.
‘A CONDEMNING INDICATION’
Diabetes UK said the number of people living with diabetes in the UK now stands at 5.6 million.
He called on the Government to “lay the foundations of health for all children and young people, including access to green spaces, healthy and affordable food and quality housing”.
It also suggested that restrictions be introduced on junk food advertising and that the sugar tax on soft drinks be increased.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in people under 40 are rising to alarming levels.
“It is a damning indictment of the barriers many of us face to living a healthy life, where good food is affordable and exercise is not a luxury.
“There is a generational opportunity to stop this crisis and we call on all political parties to seize it.
“We need bold action to reverse the rising trend of type 2 diabetes, reverse our deteriorating food environment and give every child and young person the best possible opportunity to grow up in good health.
“The decisions made now will not only determine the health of today’s young people, but also the next generation.”
That comes later News that a crash diet of soups and shakes that can reverse type 2 diabetes will be rolled out across the country on the NHS following successful trials.
Ms Marshall said of the program: “We are delighted that the program has already helped thousands of people with weight loss and weight loss.
“This expansion means that many more people will benefit.
“Remission of type 2 diabetes can transform health and well-being and potentially reduce the risk of serious long-term complications.”
How to go into remission from type 2 diabetes
Remission of TYPE 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar returns to safe, nondiabetic levels over the long term without the need for glucose-lowering medications.
This means the symptoms of your condition are on pause, as is any new damage it may cause.
According to Diabetes UK, going into remission “increases your chances of a healthy future”.
He said the key to remission from type 2 diabetes is losing weight.
It’s not guaranteed that you’ll go into remission if you lose weight, but it’s worth a try.
Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Following a low calorie weight loss program where you consume 800 to 1,200 calories a day – in England this is offered by the NHS and is called Path to Remission Program
- Otherwise you can follow a low carb or low fat diet, a meal replacement plan or one mediterranean diet – but talk to a doctor before making dietary changes to make sure it’s safe
- Exercise to lower blood sugar levels and help maintain weight loss – try using stairs instead of elevators, or try swimming, pilates or dancing
- Consider weight loss surgery – it’s available on the NHS if you have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI between 35 and 40 and an obesity-related condition that may improve if you lose weight, such as type 2 diabetes
- Talk to your doctor about weight loss medications
If you are a healthy weight but you have type 2 diabetes, it can be dangerous to lose weight.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
