Diabetes on the Rise in the UK
An increasing number in the cases of obesity in the United Kingdom has resulted in a ripple effect, increasing the number of cases in diabetes as well. Between 1997 and 2003, the recorded increase in diabetes cases is 74%. The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reveals that the majority of the newly-diagnosed cases are of Type II diabetes, usually linked with being overweight.
These findings indicate that the United Kingdom is surpassing the rate of increase of diabetes in the United States, where diabetes occurrence is already among the highest in the world. Among the more than 40,000 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes in the UK between 1996 and 2005, only a little over 1,250 patients had Type 1 diabetes, the kind which is insulin-dependent and inherited. The rest of the patients were diagnosed with Type 2, the later-onset diabetes which is lifestyle-influenced and is therefore highly preventable.
The overall occurrence of diabetes in the United States is still higher than that of the UK, but the fact that these occurrences is increasing at a faster pace than that of the former may change that statistic soon.
The National Obesity Forum and Diabetes UK have both spoken out about the statistics, in the hopes of raising awareness and increasing the drive for preventing the disease. The rates of diabetes occurrence will continue to increase unless the country does something about addressing obesity. Type 2 diabetes can easily be avoided, as research indicates that the risk of developing the disease can be decreased by as much as 58% by losing weight. A healthy diet and the right amount of exercise will contribute a lot to the prevention of diabetes.
The other crucial factor is early detection. Right now, about half a million people in the United Kingdom may already have diabetes without their knowing it. Early disease detection can significantly help in diabetes management.
Tags: diabetes, Early Disease Detection, uk, united kingdom
