Brits at risk of undiagnosed diabetes

Around half a million people in the UK could have undiagnosed type two diabetes.

The charity Diabetes UK warned today that some people can go undiagnosed for up to a year.

“Having a large waist or being overweight can put you at risk of diabetes.”

Early diagnosis is vital as diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, amputation, kidney failure and shorter life expectancy.The earlier diagnosis is made, the sooner good management of the condition can begin and the smaller the risk of diabetic complications.

“It is shocking that more than half a million people are going about their daily lives unaware they have a condition that puts them at greater risk of devastating complications,” said Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of Diabetes UK.

“Around half of people with type two diabetes are already showing signs of complications when they are diagnosed, due to their diagnosis being later than it should be.

“This is a tragedy as diabetes is a manageable condition and many people live full and healthy lives. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can start treating their condition and taking control of their lives.”

Having a large waist or being overweight can put you at risk of diabetes; being aged over 40 or over 25 for people of black or south Asian origin; and having a family history of the condition are also risk factors.