Diabetes is on the rise, with new research revealing those under 40 are at a higher risk than ever before. Diabetes UK has released a report showing a 39% increase in type 2 diabetes in those aged 39 and under. Poor diets and obesity are being cited as the reason behind the rise, due to the cheaper, unhealthy food now available, which is high in fat, salt and sugar.
The report’s authors said cases of type 2 diabetes among all under-40s have risen by more than 47,000 since 2016/17. “We estimate nearly 168,000 people under the age of 40 are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK, with nearly 150,000 people under 40 diagnosed in England alone.” Thousands more are living with the condition undiagnosed, with analysis suggesting half of people aged 16 to 44 with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it.
Often referred to as ‘the silent killer’ because it can be asymptomatic in the onset, diabetes can lead to many other health issues, including heart disease and stroke. But the good news is, a change in lifestyle can slash your risk of being diagnosed. Follow these simple rules to live a longer, healthier life.
.. Keep your BMI below 22 “With more than two-thirds of adults in the UK carrying too much weight, it’s a shocking statistic that you are up to 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are obese, compared with having a body mass index under 22,” says dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, who also works with the Tea Advisory Panel .
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