One Third Of Adults Have Prediabetes - Report

A new study has suggested that a third of adults in England now have prediabetes.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal suggests there has been a big rise in prediabetes, which is where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to qualify as Type 2 diabetes.

The authors predict a surge in Type 2 diabetes in the coming years, which would have serious implications for the country.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: "This study is further evidence that there is an increasing number of people who are developing prediabetes.

"Having high enough blood glucose levels to be classified as having prediabetes leaves people at a significantly increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is a lifelong condition that already affects more than 3 million people and can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, amputation and blindness.

"We need to make sure those at high risk are made aware of this so that they can get the advice and support they need to make the lifestyle changes that can help reduce this. In fact, up to 80 per cent of cases of Type 2 diabetes could be avoided or delayed by making these kinds of changes.

"Programmes such as the NHS Health Check are already doing an important job in assessing people’s risk, by measuring weight and waist, as well as looking at family history and ethnicity.But at the moment not everyone who is eligible for this check is getting one and we need this to change."

(CVS/CD)