Over half a million people were diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2023, putting them at risk of developing type two diabetes within a year, according to NHS statistics.
In the latest National Diabetes Audit, over 3.6 million people registered with a GP had pre-diabetes, or non- diabetic hyperglycaemia, in 2023, compared to just over 3 million in 2022 which is an increase of around 18%.
There was a particularly high increase among people under the age of 40, up from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023.
It comes after figures from Diabetes UK found that there was an ‘alarming’ rise in the number of people under the age of 40 with type 2 diabetes in recent years, with a 39% increase since 2016.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: ‘These figures are concerning but they show exactly why the NHS is taking radical action to stem the tide of rising levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes – through our world first prevention programme and our soup and shakes diets.
‘Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services.
‘Doing nothing is not an option for the NHS, so we will continue to develop services that support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to lead healthier lives. If you are worried about developing the condition, please do come forward and get the help you need.’
This year, the NHS type 2 diabetes path to remission programme is to be expanded to cover all ICB areas, doubling its reach from last year.
