A leading charity partnership is urging people on the Isle of Wight to check their risk of type 2 diabetes through a free online tool as shocking new figures reveal an alarming acceleration of diagnoses in younger age groups.
More than 16,000 people under 40 in the South East are registered as living with type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that is known to have more severe and acute consequences in people under 40 and, without the right treatment and support, can lead to serious complications that include kidney failure and heart disease.
Analysis of NHS data carried out by long-standing partners Diabetes UK and Tesco has shown that cases of type 2 diabetes – historically associated with older people – are now rising at a faster rate among those under 40 than in those over 40. With registered cases of type 2 in this age group up 23% in just 5 years, the charity predicts the number of people in the UK aged between 18 and 39 living with a diagnosis of the condition could hit 200,000 by 2027.
In response, Diabetes UK and Tesco are launching a campaign to help people on the Isle of Wight 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 such as Tesco Extra in Ryde. Anyone who completes an assessment using the tool will be directed to free advice and information on the help and support available to manage their risk.
Jill Steaton, Head of South West and South Central, 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.
“We’re immensely grateful to Tesco for their support with this important campaign and hope it leads to huge numbers of under-40s in the South East making that essential first step and checking their risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Jason Tarry, CEO of UK & ROI Tesco, said:
“Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health conditions we face in the UK, but the reality is that many cases could be prevented or delayed. And we know that a healthy diet is one of the ways to reduce your risk
“In these tough times, we want to make it easier for families to enjoy an exciting, healthy, budget-friendly diet, so that even when pressed for time and money, eating healthily never feels out of reach. With 373 Tesco pharmacies across the country, serving half a million people a week, our community pharmacists can also provide expert support and advice. As part of a long running partnership with Diabetes UK we’re urging people to do the Know Your Risk check either online or at your local Tesco pharmacy.
“Next time you’re in-store, visit the pharmacy and have a quick chat to one of our pharmacists or try out one of the healthy and budget friendly recipes we’ve created. Reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes is doable and affordable, with the right support, and a few simple changes can make a big difference.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include:
- going to the toilet more often, especially at night
- feeling more tired, because your body can’t get enough glucose in to your cells for energy
- losing weight without trying
- genital itching or thrush
- cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
- blurred vision
- feeling extremely thirsty
Most people over 18 are eligible to use the free Know Your Risk tool. The tool can be found at https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/c/tesco.
Saw the Christmas chocolate tubs (Roses, Quality Street, Heroes, Celebrations) on special offer – ‘buy 2 for £6.’ And lots of people were helping themselves.
These tubs have been selling for months as well normally at the front of the stores saying ‘come get me’.
Just one example of the way supermarkets influence people’s eating habits.
Never seen a tub of broccoli or cucumbers at the front of the store on offer.
People have NEVER before been so well informed on the dangers of junk food, drugs and alcohol.
They CHOOSE to buy tasty fat or sugar filled foods not caring about the consequences to themselves or even their clones.
The sly and artful use the excuse they can’t afford’ healthy food’ yet it’s bull, as supermarkets gave free fruits etc but the queue would be a mile long if it were for junk food
All just looking for something or someone to sue.
The underclass are well informed.
It’s subliminal direction. Supermarkets are experts at it. Where do they put the free fruit stand? Tucked away, whereas the junk food is front and centre.
I think im diabetic, ive rang 4 times this week to the gp and been on hold for up to an hour a time, skipping my lunch and making my symptoms worse….never got through
Well rather than have this jolly at Tesco, why not trot a few metres along and set up a stall by Macdonalds. Catch a few of the carbies spending their dosh in there? If you rushed right now you’d get a few quality families troughing down their Sunday Family dinners.