PocDoc’s Introduction to Diabetes

Authored by: Dr Matthew Lee; BMSc, MBBS, MSc

Last reviewed: March 2025

What's in this PocDoc Article:

• What is diabetes?
• The key differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes 
• Epidemiology of Type 2 diabetes and Impact across the UK 
• Diabetes is costing the UK millions
• Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes 
• Lower your risk of diabetes through lifestyle changes
• Living with Type 2 Diabetes 
• The NHS’s Diabetes Prevention Plan

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that causes a person’s glucose (blood sugar) level to become too high. Over time, this condition may lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.While there are different types of diabetes, this article will mainly explore type 2 diabetes and its risk factors.

The key differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot produce the hormone insulin. Insulin’s function is to help your body use regulate levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This lack of insulin in the body then results in high blood sugar levels which is dangerous to the body.

Type 1 diabetes is relatively rare - accounting for less than 1 in 10 cases of diabetes. The onset of type 1 diabetes often starts in children and young adults and is the result of an autoimmune condition.

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, individuals can manage the condition by taking insulin every day along with monitoring their levels to ensure that the blood sugar levels are normal and to prevent any complications.

Type 2 Diabetes

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is an acquired condition resulting from too little insulin being produced by the body or the body’s cells not reacting to the insulin. This results in a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is preventable and can often be reversed through dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes and Impact across the UK

Across the UK, preventable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, have been on the rise.

• Around 4.7 million individuals in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, equivalent to around 1 in 14 people, with around 90% of those diagnosed having type 2 diabetes. 

• For the first time, the number of people under 40 being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is rising at a faster rate than those over 40.

• In addition, a 2023 National Diabetes Audit revealed that over 3 million individuals across the UK were found to have pre-diabetes, an 18% increase from figures in 2022.

Unfortunately, diabetes has been linked to greater health risks for patients, such as kidney disease, heart disease, and eye disease, which could have been prevented through early detection and lifestyle changes.

Chart showing the prevalence of type 2 and other diabetes in England - NHS

Diabetes cases have also been increasing in children

It is estimated that around 40,000 children under the age of 18 have diabetes, with the majority being between the ages of 10 and 14 years of age at diagnosis.

Data from the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit also revealed that the impact of type 2 diabetes in children is disproportionately high in disadvantaged areas: 4 in 10 children living with diabetes live in most deprived areas compared to 1 in 19 in least deprived areas.

Disadvantaged areas are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes

Map showing the estimated prevalence of diabetes across the UK between 2015 and 2035

There is a clear link between deprivation and levels of people living with obesity which in turn increases the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in deprived areas. 

• Research shows that people living in low-income households are 2.3 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those in high-income households. 

• Low-income households have economic and social pressures which push them towards purchasing of unhealthy options.

Diabetes is costing the UK millions

Over the years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UK has put a financial strain on the NHS. The condition costs the NHS over £8.8 billion, which is almost 9% of their annual budget. A study conducted by the University of York estimated that the annual cost of diabetes on the NHS will increase to £16.9 billion in the next 25 years, taking up 17% of their annual budget.

As a result, more measures need to be taken to reduce the impact of diabetes in the country.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Some individuals may have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes due to certain factors such as:

• Heart Disease: Type 2 diabetes and heart disease share common risk factors. Having heart disease can also cause damage that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Family History: Individuals with type 2 diabetes are 2-6 times more likely to have diabetes than those without a family history.

• Ethnicity: Individuals of Asian, African and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity are 2-4 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

• Obesity and Inactivity: Obesity accounts for an 80-85% risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• High Blood Pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure also have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Alcohol consumption: Excess alcohol consumption can often lead to weight gain which increases type 2 diabetes risk.

• Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of diabetes, as well as diabetes related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness.

The first signs of diabetes may not be obvious.

The first signs of diabetes may not be that obvious; the following are common diabetes symptoms that may appear gradually:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent peeing, especially at night
• Feeling tired
• Weight Loss
• Blurred Vision
• Itching around the penis or vagina or increased thrush

Lower your risk of diabetes through lifestyle changes

Research has shown that lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50%. These changes include:

1. Eating a well-balanced diet: Decrease your intake of processed foods and foods high in added sugar, such as white flour, white rice and sugary drinks. Eating a wide range of foods, including fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, while keeping sugar and salt to a minimum, will reduce the risk of diabetes and can even stop type 2 diabetes. 

2. Increasing physical activity: Individuals should aim for at least 2.5 hours of activity a week. These activities can include anything that gets you out of breath, such as fast walking, climbing stairs and strenuous housework. 

3. Weight loss: Around 85% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are overweight or living with diabetes. Losing weight can help to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and prevent insulin resistance. For most adults, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9.

( This recommended range is dependent on your ethnicity)

4. Quit smoking: Global Research has shown individuals who smoke have a 30-40% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who don’t smoke. 

5. Lower alcohol intake: Alcohol can increase your blood sugar levels, leading to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The NHS recommends drinking alcohol in moderation with no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over 3 days or more.

Living with Type 2 Diabetes

These lifestyle changes are also beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes and can help you to enter remission. However, in some cases, medication may be needed.

The most common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes is metformin. Other medications can include injections such as semaglutide, dulaglutide or tirzepatide.

In some cases, if these medications do not work, your GP may prescribe insulin to help lower your blood sugar levels.

The NHS’s Diabetes Prevention Plan

To help reduce the prevalence of diabetes in the UK, the NHS has developed a Diabetes Prevention Programme. This plan, launched in June 2016, was created to:

1. Reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes
2. Reduced complications associated with type 2 diabetes, including heart, stroke, kidney, eye and foot problems.
3. Reduce health inequalities associated with type 2 diabetes.

Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a nationwide initiative identifying people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them to a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme.

Available in both face-to-face group sessions and a digital format, the programme offers participants personalised support to manage their weight, adopt healthier eating habits, and increase physical activity—proven strategies to reduce diabetes risk.

Research has shown that completing the programme can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by over a third, preventing thousands of new cases across England.

You may be eligible for the programme if:

• You are over 18
• You are registered with a GP in one of their locations
• You are not pregnant (unless you currently have gestational diabetes)
• You can do light or moderate physical activity
• You have not been previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes