The occurrence of diabetes in the UK has hit the two million mark. Experts are looking at the relationship between the rising numbers of diabetics and the problem with obesity.
Health experts issued a warning to the British public to wake up to the realities of the problem where 65 per cent of men and 55 per cent of women are overweight or obese.
The largest cause of type 2 diabetes is obesity and a major part of all diagnosed cases. Another worry is the rise in the cases of type 2 diabetes in children. Ten years ago this would not have been an issue.
Simon O'Neill, director of care and policy at Diabetes UK said "We knew the situation was worrying but it is even worse than we thought."
"Diabetes is serious and unless everyone with the condition is getting the care and education they need it can lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, amputations and blindness."
The Department of Health's performance data showed there were 1,766,391 people who suffered from diabetes in the UK. Figures from Diabetes UK for other nations revealed that in Scotland there are 148,000 cases, in Wales there are 92,000 and in Northern Ireland there are 47,000 cases.
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