Diabetes and Obesity
The obesity epidemic is an enormous global problem. The United Kingdom has a startling level of overweight and obese people, conditions that often precede the development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity is also no longer a condition that just affects older people, although the likelihood does increase with age, and increasing numbers of young people have been diagnosed with obesity. It is estimated that approximately one in every five adults in the UK is overweight, and approximately one in every 15 is obese. These figures are climbing steadily.
The links between type 2 diabetes and obesity are firmly established. Without the intervention of a healthy diet and appropriate exercise, obesity may develop into diabetes over a relatively short period of time. Education and awareness is the key to solving the diabetes problem in the UK, but tackling obesity when it is still at an early stage is essential in preventing the spread of the disease.
In the UK, the cost to the NHS of diabetes and related conditions is enormous, and is only likely to grow in size. Patient numbers are forecast to double by as early as 2010, meaning a large and potentially unsustainable drain on resources. Complications such as foot ulceration, nephropathy, retinopathy and heart disease, as well as being serious risks for the patients are very costly to treat.
There is a need for widespread and far-reaching culturally appropriate educational literature that informs the population of the risk of eating badly and not taking exercise. Modifying lifestyle factors can often prevent obesity, and in order to avoid a healthcare crisis the UK needs to spread information that highlights the importance of doing just that. Preventing childhood obesity, which is currently rising in the UK, should be a priority.
