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.
