Diabetes and pre-diabetes now affect one in five adults in the UK, with diagnoses reaching record levels, new data reveals.
Diabetes UK has warned of a “hidden health crisis,” urging the government to take immediate action. The number of diagnosed cases has surged to 4.6 million, up from 4.4 million last year.
Among those affected, around eight per cent have type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body fails to produce insulin, the hormone essential for converting glucose into energy.
Approximately 90 per cent of diagnosed cases are type 2 diabetes, where the body fails to utilise insulin properly, while only two per cent are linked to rarer forms of the condition. Additionally, around 1.3 million people are estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes UK further estimates that 6.3 million individuals suffer from non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, commonly known as pre-diabetes. This condition causes blood sugar levels to remain higher than normal, and if left untreated, it can eventually develop into type 2 diabetes.
The chief executive of the charity, Colette Marshall, said: “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.
“With more people developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it’s also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes but are completely unaware of it. The sooner we can find and get them the care they need, the more harm we can prevent.”
In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Diabetes UK has urged the government to prioritise identifying undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan. The charity called for enhanced NHS Health Checks and greater investment in prevention schemes like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which promotes lifestyle changes for those at risk.
The letter warns that diabetes acts as a “gateway” to severe health issues, including strokes and heart failure. Research by Diabetes UK last year projected that without intervention, the condition could cost the NHS nearly £18 billion by 2035. The charity also highlighted a worrying 40 percent rise in type 2 diabetes diagnoses among under-40s in the UK.
Symptoms of Diabetes and Prediabetes
Prediabetes Symptoms
Prediabetes often develops without obvious symptoms, but some people may experience early warning signs, including:
- Darkened skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) – usually on the neck, armpits, or groin
- Increased thirst – feeling unusually thirsty despite regular fluid intake
- Frequent urination – needing to urinate more often than usual
- Fatigue – persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- Mild blurred vision – occasional difficulty focusing or seeing clearly
Diabetes Symptoms (Type 1 & Type 2)
Common Symptoms of Both Types
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Increased hunger (polyphagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling in hands/feet
Symptoms More Common in Type 1 Diabetes
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Fruity-smelling breath (a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis)
Symptoms More Common in Type 2 Diabetes
- Frequent infections (skin, gums, or urinary tract infections)
- Darkened skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
- Gradual weight gain
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to get a blood sugar test to check for prediabetes or diabetes.