MILLIONS of Brits are on the cusp of type 2 diabetes because of their junk diets, the NHS warns.
About 3.6million people in England had pre-diabetic high blood sugar in 2023, an 18 per cent rise from fewer than 3.1million in 2022.
The figure is increasing alongside obesity rates and cases in under-40s shot up by a quarter during the same period - from 173,000 to 216,000.
More than four million people already have type 2 diabetes, raising their risk of heart attacks, strokes and dementia.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “These figures are concerning.
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“This is a disease driven by junk food and obesity.
“Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services.
“Doing nothing is not an option for the NHS, so we will continue to develop services that support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to lead healthier lives.”
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body loses control of sugar levels in the blood.
This can be triggered by excess body fat, an inactive lifestyle and eating and drinking too much sugar.
About two thirds of the average Brit’s diet is processed food, which generally contains more fat and sugar.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS director for diabetes, said: “Type 2 diabetes in people under 40 is a growing problem globally and England is no exception.”
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include peeing more than usual, constant thirst, feeling very tired and losing weight without trying.
Some people also experience genital itching, thrush, blurred vision, and cuts or wounds taking longer to heal.
Some people are more at risk than others.
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This includes over-40s, having a close relative with type 2 diabetes, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, and being from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean background.
Last month, the charity Diabetes UK called for urgent action after an "alarming" rise in diagnoses in under-40s.
It said people are facing a more aggressive and acute form of the condition as they are developing it at a younger age.
A spokesperson said "drastic changes" to the foods we eat and our lifestyles over the last 25 years have taken their toll.
"We are bombarded by adverts for cheaper, unhealthy food," they said.
"The foods on our shelves are increasingly high in fat, salt and sugar, and rising costs are pushing a healthy diet out of reach for millions.
"These conditions, combined with genetic factors and stark inequalities, are driving rising levels of obesity, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"When type 2 diabetes develops at a younger age, defined here as under 40, it is more acute and aggressive.
"It is also associated with an increased risk of more rapid onset of devastating complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, sight loss and even an early death."
