Education is ‘crucial’ in preventing type 2 diabetes cases rising past one billion by 2050

An international diabetes centre claims that education and prevention “serve as vital tools” in the mission against type 2 diabetes after experts have predicted the number of people living with the condition will more than double by 2050.

Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) is inviting people at risk of type 2 diabetes to attend education programmes on how to prevent the condition developing in a bid to stop cases “spiralling out of control”.

This comes after new research shows that more than 1.3 billion adults worldwide will have type 2 diabetes by 2050, with increasing obesity rates and widening health inequalities causing the drastic rise, experts have said.

A new tool developed by LDC can identify those at risk of type 2 diabetes in workplaces and communities.

Entitled ‘Leicester Diabetes Risk Score’, the questionnaire ensures that more people receive help earlier, potentially preventing them from going on to develop type 2 diabetes.

The new risk score is recommended by NICE and is used by Diabetes UK for the identification of those at risk of the condition.

Professor Melanie Davies CBE, co-founder of LDC, said: “Education and prevention serve as vital tools in our mission against type 2 diabetes.

“At LDC, we recognise the urgency of preventing cases from spiralling out of control. That is why we invite individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes to join our comprehensive education programme in a bid to combat this escalating health challenge.”

She added: “By prioritising education, we empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent and manage diabetes effectively.  

“Together, we can combat this growing health challenge and improve the wellbeing of countless lives.”

Experts described the data as alarming, saying diabetes was outpacing most diseases globally, presenting a significant threat to people and health systems.

Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, told the Guardian: “This important study underlines the sheer scale of the diabetes crisis we’re facing, both in the UK and around the world.

“Your ethnicity, where you live and your income all affect your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, the care you receive and your long-term health, and these are all interlinked.

“The need for concerted cross-government action to address inequalities in diabetes prevalence and outcomes, as well as the underlying conditions of ill health, such as poverty and living with obesity, has never been greater or more urgent.”

LDC’s national programmes Desmond and Eden can also offer a wealth of knowledge to people living with type 2 diabetes, enabling them to feel more confident in their approach to their health.

Leicester Diabetes Centre is answering the global challenge of type 2 diabetes and long-term conditions through world-leading research, education and innovation.

Research investigating potential new treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, that may support participants with weight management, is currently being delivered at the LDC. More volunteers are needed. Those interested in finding out more should email PRCLeicester@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or call 0116 258 8969.

Based at Leicester General Hospital, the 3,000m2 centre is a unique collaboration between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Founded in 2012, the centre is home to the award-winning DESMOND and EDEN programmes; that ensure the findings of LDCs innovative research continues to achieve impact beyond the research setting.