Rates of Type 2 diabetes have risen four times faster in middle aged men over the last 12 years than in women of the same age, according to a new report out today.
Health charity Diabetes UK reports that men aged 35-54 are almost twice as likely to have diabetes compared to their female counterparts and that consistently more men are overweight than women.
Diabetes in the UK 2009: Key statistics on diabetes, reveals that 2.4% (around 92,960) of men in England aged 35-44 have diabetes compared to 1.2% (around 47,000) of women of the same age, and 6% (around 197,050) of men aged 45-54 have diabetes compared to 3.6% (around 120,670) of women their age.
Approximately 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity levels. The condition can be genetic, but many people are overweight when they are diagnosed.
Simon O'Neill, DUK’s director of care, information and advocacy, said: "It's very worrying that men of this age are developing diabetes at such an alarming rate compared to their female counterparts. Most of them will have Type 2 diabetes which is strongly linked to lifestyle and can be prevented in many cases by eating a healthy balanced diet and doing regular physical activity.
"Women should not rest on their laurels, either. They may tend to develop the condition later in life, but the risk of death from heart disease associated with Type 2 diabetes is about 50 per cent greater in women than it is in men - not a statistic to be ignored.
"Diabetes UK is calling on everyone carrying extra weight to reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by leading a healthier lifestyle. We must take action now to tackle Type 2 diabetes head-on."
Research shows that losing weight can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in those at high risk by 58% and physical activity can reduce the risk by 64%.