Diabetes UK: The Lancet: 350 Million adults have diabetes

Monday, 27 June 2011 9:30 AM

In response to ‘350 MILLION ADULTS HAVE DIABETES AFTER EXPLOSION IN PREVALENCE SPANNING THREE DECADES’:

Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at leading health charity Diabetes UK, said: “This study confirms that Type 2 diabetes is an increasing global problem. Although this study shows the prevalence of diabetes in the UK is lower than most other developed countries, we should be cautious about how the information was collected and analysed. Nevertheless, we should not be complacent about our country’s health since it is clear that rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes are still rising at an alarming rate.

“There are 850,000 people in the UK who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know it, which may help to account for the lower numbers estimated. The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are being overweight, of South Asian or Black origin, aged over 40 or having a family history of the condition. If you have at least two risk factors, we recommend you ask your doctor for a blood test.”

In response to ‘UK STUDY SHOWS THAT 6.5 HOURS OF ADDITIONAL DIETARY SUPPORT IN A YEAR IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL IN RECENTLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS; EXERCISE PROVIDES NO EXTRA BENEFIT’

Director of Research at leading health charity Diabetes UK, Dr Iain Frame, said:
“It will be interesting to see how this research, funded by Diabetes UK, would translate into routine healthcare.
“Until these further studies take place, the best advice is to continue combine a healthy diet with regular physical activity as this has been proven to be beneficial for people with or without diabetes. We look forward to further research into the most effective way to deliver these benefits.”

On out of office mobile if any problems or queries – 07711 176 028

Thanks, kind regards
Huw
Huw Beale
Senior Media Officer

Diabetes UK
020 7424 1152

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