Number of people diagnosed with diabetes increases by almost 23,000 in year
Almost 23,000 more people in the Midlands have been diagnosed with diabetes over a year, new figures have shown.
Data from Diabetes UK said the number had risen from 677,636 to 700,610 across the area – an increase of 22,974 people.
Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell – along with Birmingham – saw an overall increase of 7,380, figures show.
And in Staffordshire the rise has been 1,588, for those aged 17 and over from April 1, 2019, compared to March 31 last year.
Peter Shorrick, Midlands and East Regional Head at Diabetes UK, said: "The number of people with diabetes is increasing year-on-year. As we look to the future post Covid-19, preventing cases of type 2 diabetes must be a public health priority.
"The pandemic has shown with devastating clarity how diabetes puts you at increased risk of poorer outcomes when contracting the virus. Yet, we know that with the right support, up to half of type 2 diabetes cases − and the accompanying risk of developing life threatening complications − can be delayed or prevented.
"This Diabetes Prevention Week, we want to help people understand their personal risk of type 2 diabetes and the first step being is to complete our free Know Your Risk Tool, today.
"By taking just five minutes out of your day, you have the power to access information and support that could change your health for the better."
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week runs until Sunday and is a joint initiative between Diabetes UK, Public Health England and NHS England. The focus of the campaign this year is to raise awareness of the risk factors that can contribute to developing the condition.
Diabetes UK predicts the number of people with diabetes, including the undiagnosed population, is expected to rise to 5.5 million by 2030.
