As with other parts of the UK, diabetes is on the increase in Wales and is estimated to affect around 1 in 14 people in Wales.
The proportion of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Wales is of particular concern.
Diabetes prevalence in Wales
In 2022, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Wales stands at just over 160,000 which represents 5% of the Welsh population.
Another 66,000 are estimated to be living with diabetes but yet to be diagnosed. Assuming the estimate is correct, it means that around 1 in 14 people in Wales will be currently living with diabetes. [58]
Diabetes UK Cymru estimate that there are around 350,000 people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Blood glucose control in Wales
About 1 in 12 people with diabetes in Wales recorded high HbA1c values over 10% (86 mmol/mol).
The audit shows that for people with type 2 diabetes, the number of people achieving an HbA1c value of 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) or below improves with age.
Amongst 11 to 15 year olds, only about 14% of teenagers with type 1 diabetes recorded an HbA1c value of 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) or below.
As with type 2 diabetes, achievement of this target improves with age with almost 50% of people over 85 with type 1 diabetes achieving the target.
Structured diabetes education in Wales
Diabetes UK Cymru have highlighted that the number of people in Wales receiving structured education is low compared with the rest of the UK.
- Read more about structured Diabetes Education
