Worrying type-2 diabetes rise affecting under 25s in England and Wales

According to charity Diabetes UK, there are nearly 7,000 children and young adults under 25 with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales, which is ten times the number specified in a previous report.

The new figures have been obtained from the latest National Diabetes Audit for 2016-2017, containing information from 95 per cent of GP practices, as well as specialist paediatric units.

The previous report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health indicated that the number was 715, which equates to the number of children and young people receiving care for type 2 diabetes from paediatric diabetes units.

Caroline Cerny from the Obesity Health Alliance, said to see so many young people diagnosed with the condition was “hugely concerning”.

“We know that obesity contributes to the development of this and other serious health conditions, and with one in three children leaving primary school with excess weight or obesity, these findings are worrying but sadly not surprising.”

Diabetes UK’s Bridget Turner, said “Type 2 diabetes can be devastating for children and young people.

“We need to encourage healthy living by providing clear and easy to understand nutritional information about the products we are all buying, and protect children from adverts for foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.”

President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Professor Russell Viner, said the numbers stressed the need to act.

“For many children, the development of type 2 diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes, but this isn’t easy – they need support.

“That’s why we were pleased to see the ambitious proposals set out in chapter two of it’s Childhood Obesity Plan. We urge the government to maximise their impact by introducing them all and doing so quickly.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738