Diabetes in the UK: 2019

Abstract Aim Diabetes impairs the quality of life of people living with the condition and is a major public health concern. The aim of this paper is to create a state of the nation report of diabetes in the UK. Methods Diabetes UK collates information about diabetes from diverse sources. This paper synthesizes these data to create a national report. Results Some 7% of the UK population are now living with diabetes; approximately one million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, 40 000 children have diabetes and more than 3000 children are diagnosed every year. Forty‐nine per cent of people with type 1 diabetes were offered structured education, but only 7.6% attended; the corresponding figures for type 2 diabetes were 90% and 10.4%, respectively. Among people with diabetes, 28% reported having issues obtaining medication or equipment for self‐management. Fifty‐seven per cent of people with type 1 diabetes and 42% with type 2 diabetes do not receive all eight annual health checks. Around 40% of people with diabetes have diminished psychological well‐being. One‐third of people have a microvascular complication at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is responsible for 530 myocardial infarctions and 175 amputations every week. The National Health Service spends at least £10 billion a year on diabetes, equivalent to 10% of its budget; 80% is spent treating complications. One in six hospital inpatients has diabetes. Conclusion Diabetes continues to place a significant burden on the individual with diabetes and wider UK society. This report will be updated annually to understand how diabetes is changing across the UK.