New report highlights high risk of type 2 diabetes among UK people

A new report from Public Health England has drawn attention to the high risk of type 2 diabetes that exists among the UK population.

According to data compiled by the organisation's National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network, five million people in England have blood sugar levels indicating an elevated risk of developing the disease.

It is estimated that the disease already results in 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS 8.8 billion pounds every year, highlighting the need for more interventions to prevent the further development of these trends.

This report was commissioned by the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which helps people to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping them lose weight, get active and have a healthier diet.

An evidence review also published today shows programmes similar to this can help prevent 26 percent of people at high risk of type 2 diabetes from going on to develop the condition.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said: "We know how to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes: lose weight, exercise and eat healthily, but it's hard to do it alone."