This week you may have seen reports in the media that the number of cases of diabetes in the UK is expected to reach 4.4 million by 2020.
The media focuses primarily on the increase of type 2 diabetes. However, the incidence of type 1 diabetes is also rising, and this cannot be halted by lifestyle factors such as changes to diet or exercise. There is currently no way to cure or prevent the condition.
Our report Facing Type 1 Diabetes highlighted that in 2010/11 the direct and indirect cost of type 1 diabetes to the UK was £1.9 billion. Incidence of type 1 diabetes is growing at about four per cent each year, and the report estimated that 650,000 people in the UK will live with the condition by 2036. This could cost the UK £4.2 billion each year, and will continue to rise until we find the cure.
JDRF exists to fund the world-class research that is needed to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. We believe that the only way to reduce the cost burden of the condition is to invest in research to find the cure – find out how you can get involved.