One in five unaware of diabetes risk factors

Nearly a fifth of UK adults can’t name a single risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and 68 per cent have never considered their personal risk.

The survey found that 19 per cent of respondents could not identify any risk factors for type 2 diabetes, while 20 per cent were unable to name a single sign or symptom of the condition.

One in five adults in the UK currently lives with either diabetes or prediabetes – where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetic levels.

The research, carried out by Tesco in partnership with Diabetes UK, also showed that more than a third (35 per cent) of people without diabetes or prediabetes are concerned about developing type 2 diabetes in future.

The main barriers to healthier eating were the cost of healthy food (30 per cent) and a lack of time to prepare meals (22 per cent).

Around half of all type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through changes in lifestyle.

In some cases, the condition can go into remission, meaning blood sugar levels return to a healthy range without medication.

Jonathan Bridgett, Tesco pharmacy services manager, said: “We are committed to making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of all our customers.

“By continuing to work in partnership with Diabetes UK, we hope to provide the resources and support to help people understand and manage their risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as those living with any type of diabetes, this summer and beyond, with our trained colleagues in more than 300 in-store pharmacies,” said

Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, added: “With 1 in 5 UK adults now living with diabetes or prediabetes, knowing your risk has never been more important.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with many risk factors, but with the right support, it’s possible to lower your risk and, for those with the condition, it’s possible to live well.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tesco to raise awareness and provide practical tools that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Figures show that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Of these, nearly 90 per cent (4.1 million) have type 2.

An additional 1.3 million are thought to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, and a further 6.3 million are estimated to have prediabetes.