New data from Public Health England (PHE) reveals 433,000 people the West Midlands aged over 16 had diabetes in 2015, nearly 9.4% of the population in this area. The new Diabetes Prevalence Model, produced by PHE’s National Cardiovascular Intelligence Network (NCVIN), estimates the number of cases of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in England over 20 years to 2035.
The model suggests that around one in four people who have diabetes don’t yet know and that means the disease is not being managed. Diabetes can lead to serious complications including foot amputation and kidney disease, and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Based on current trends, the situation is going to get worse: by 2035, just under 538,000people in the West Midlands will have diabetes, an increase of almost 105,000. Type 2 diabetes currently costs the NHS £8.8 billion each year and tackling the rise in the disease is not only important for individuals’ health, it is vital to the sustainable future of the health service
Ninety per cent of diabetes cases are Type 2, which is largely preventable or manageable by lifestyle changes, which also provide additional benefits on health and wellbeing. The likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes is increased by being overweight (although family history, ethnicity and age can also increase risk)..
The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) was launched by Public Health England, NHS England and Diabetes UK earlier this year.
The programme will help those at high risk of Type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk of developing the condition, by being offered a referral to an improved diet, weight loss and increased physical activity programme. The NHS DPP will have full coverage across England by 2020, when up to 100,000 people will have access to its services each year.
Birmingham, Dudley, Herefordshire and Worcestershire four of the first in the country to start offering this vital new service
Dr Lola Abudu, Deputy Director Health and Wellbeing, PHE West Midlands said:
“Whilst the extent of the problem is greater than ever, the good news is that Type 2 diabetes is preventable. Our prevention programme puts people in control of their health by giving them the tools and information they need to make small changes to their lifestyles to significantly reduce their risk of the disease and the potential complications associated with it like stroke and kidney failure.”
Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands Regional Head, said: “These new estimates clearly show the scale of diabetes in the West Midlands and the huge impact on people living with the condition. Too often they only find out they have Type 2 diabetes after they have developed serious complications, such as heart or kidney disease, or foot problems which can lead to amputations. Avoiding or delaying such devastating complications depends on people getting diagnosed earlier, so they get help and support to manage their condition well. We also want people to take the necessary steps to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, such as using Diabetes UK’s online Know Your Risk tool.”
Alongside the NHS DPP, there are other healthcare programmes aimed at supporting adults to live healthily. The NHS Health Check, provides health advice to 40- to 74-year-olds previously undiagnosed any condition. It checks circulatory and vascular health, the risk of ill health and provides advice and support to help lower risk and improve health. Earlier this year, PHE launched One You, a campaign to support adults across the country to avoid future diseases caused by modern day lifestyles. It provides a range of tools and advice to help people take action on everyday behaviours such as eating too much unhealthy food or continuing to smoke, all of which are major contributing factors to lifestyle related diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
