The number of under-40s with type 2 diabetes in Suffolk and north east Essex has increased by 34% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, new NHS figures reveal.
Why it matters: This surge highlights growing concerns of obesity among young people and puts additional strain on local healthcare services.
By the numbers:
2,135 under-40s were registered with type 2 diabetes in the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex area as of March 2023, up from 1,595 in March 2020.
62,800 people of all ages were registered with type 2 diabetes in March 2023, a 19% rise since before the pandemic.
23% of Year 6 pupils were obese or severely obese in 2022-23.
What they're saying: Professor Ketan Dhatariya, diabetes consultant and chair of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, said: "The greatest risk factor of people under the age of 40 is undoubtedly obesity. And for younger people, diabetes is a much more aggressive disease."
The big picture: Across England, registrations have risen by more than a third over the same period. Obesity is a key driver of type 2 diabetes, especially in younger people, and the pandemic led to reduced activity levels and weight gain for many.
What's next: The government aims to ban junk food TV adverts before 9pm and all online paid-for adverts from October 2025 and the Department of Health and Social Care says it aims to improve diabetes treatment by shifting care from hospitals to communities and focusing on prevention rather than treatment.
