Wiltshire diabetes specialist calls for improvements in care
1 in 5 are living with the condition, according to Diabetes UK
UK health bosses are being warned of a 'hidden health crisis' as a charity suggests 1 in five people are living with diabetes.
The new figures come from Diabetes UK, which says that millions across the country are undiagnosed with the condition.
The charity claims 4.6 million people in the UK have a diabetes diagnosis, the highest on record and an increase on the 4.4 million reported a year ago.
Bethany Kelly, a Clinical Lead Diabetes Specialist in Wiltshire, told Greatest Hits Radio the figures raise concerns.
She said: "It's not so much that it's a lot of people, but the NHS doesn't have the staff to deal with all of the people being diagnosed with diabetes currently at the moment."
Bethany told us there's approximately 50,000 people in Wiltshire live with diabetes, with 35,000 suspected of pre-diabetes.
"There's a lot of people there for us to give healthcare to people with diabetes to manage their condition. They need regular appointments with their GP, practise their nurses, so having access to all of that healthcare, making sure we've got the right people with the right training to manage diabetes to help support these people is a big concern," Bethany told us.
Despite the record high figures, Bethany told us that many people with the condition lead normal lives and are able to self-manage the illness.
She added that there are four key symptoms we should look out for, that could indicate we have the condition.
Bethany highlighted the 'Four T's'.
- Toilet - going to the toilet more often, especially at night.
- Thinner - unplanned weight loss.
- Thirst - having an unquenchable thirst.
- Tired - lower energy levels during day-to-day activities.
She advises anyone with these symptoms to contact their GP for a simple blood test.
Charity calls for better care to avoid future health issues
In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK called for the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan to "prioritise urgently identifying those with pre-diabetes and those who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes" through "improved NHS Health Checks".
It also called more investment in prevention schemes such as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which promotes lifestyle changes to those at risk of developing type 2.
The letter warns that diabetes "is a gateway to many other serious health issues", like strokes, heart attacks and heart failure.
Last year, research by Diabetes UK warned the condition could cost the NHS almost approximately £18 billion by 2035 if action is not taken.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, added: "These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now.
"There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications."