Type 2 diabetes affects 7,000 people under 25 in England and Wales

There are nearly 7,000 children and young adults under the age of 25 with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales, about 10 times more than previously reported, according to Diabetes UK.

His analysis of the 2016-17 data revealed that most of them were treated in GP offices rather than in specialized units.

The condition is related to obesity and is more aggressive in children.

Child health experts said the government should act now to implement the proposals to reduce childhood obesity.

The Obesity Health Alliance said it was "extremely worrying" to see as many young people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

"We know that obesity contributes to the development of this health problem and other serious health problems.With one out of three children leaving primary school with excess weight or l & # 39; Obesity, these results are disturbing but are unfortunately not surprising, "said Caroline Cerny, of the Alliance.

The new figures come from the latest national diabetes audit 2016-2017, which contains information on type 2 cases from 95% of general practice practices in England and Wales, as well as the number of cases treated in specialized pediatric units.

It shows that 6,836 children and young people under 25 years were treated for this disease.

This includes:

• 11 five to nine years
• 196 10-14 years
• 1 246 15-19 years old
• 5,383 20 to 24 years

But a previous report, from the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, suggested a figure of 715 – number of children and youth receiving care for type 2 diabetes in pediatric diabetes units in England and the country of Wales.

These units provide specialized support to young people.

Some may be at risk of seeing the disease evolve rapidly, creating other health complications, such as blindness, amputations, heart disease and kidney failure.

General practitioners also provide advice and support on their lifestyle and many young people are treated in primary care.

Family history and ethnicity, as well as obesity, are factors in children and youth with type 2 diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

• It is a common condition that leads to an excessive increase in blood sugar (glucose).
• It is caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst, need to pee a lot and fatigue
• It can also increase the risk of getting serious eye, heart and nervous problems.
• It's a life-long illness that can involve a change in diet, medications and regular checkups

Bridget Turner, Director of Policy and Campaigns for Diabetes UK, said: "Type 2 diabetes can be devastating for children and young people.

"We need to encourage healthy lifestyles by providing clear and easy-to-understand nutritional information about the products we all buy, and protecting children from advertising for foods high in fat, salt and sugar."

She stated that children and youth type 2 should have access to quality treatment provided by health professionals trained in disease management.

& # 39; Lifestyle changes & # 39;

Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, said these new personalities emphasized the need to act.

"For many children, the development of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle changes, but it's not easy – they need support.

"That's why we were pleased to see the ambitious proposals outlined in Chapter Two of its plan for childhood obesity.We urge the government to maximize their impact by introducing them all and quickly."

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Affairs said he was committed to halving child obesity by 2030.

"We will launch consultations to restrict promotions in sweet and greasy food stores, as well as a ban on advertising for river basins at 9:00 pm.

"The next long-term NHS plan will focus on prevention and build on our current work to keep people healthy."