Cases of diabetes in the U.K. have increased dramatically in the past decade. The number living with the condition now up to 60%. Since 2005 there have been an additional 1.2 million people diagnosed with the disease, which is equivalent to the population of Cyprus. The charity Diabetes UK revealed these figures and they want effective care and improved preventative measures. This will help cut costs of worse conditions and improve quality of life.

New figures show around 5% of the population in the U.K. living with diabetes. This equates to about 3.3 million people living with diabetes. More than a third of patients don’t get access to the recommended eight care process.

Eight care process: Consists of yearly check-ups of blood pressure, cholesterol, foot surveillance, and body mass index, and other health indications. This increases the risk that people will develop further complications.

This will cost the National Health Service (NHS) more money in the long run. Currently diabetes costs the NHS almost £10 billion [= to $15 billion] a year. 80% of costs spent on managing avoidable complications. Avoidable complications: stroke, heart disease and amputations. Diabetes medication now accounts for 10% of the NHS drugs bill.

90% of new diagnoses are Type 2 diabetes

• Mainly caused by obesity
• Problem is not limited to the U.K., but a global health issue
• CDC estimates that 9.3% of people in the United States have diabetes
• = to 29.1 million people
• Costs an estimated $176 billion in direct medical costs
• Diabetes UK is urging NHS to provide more preventative care to save money in the long run
• Providing better care and education for people with diabetes will give them a better chance to live long and healthy lives.