A nurse gives a patient a diabetes test. PA
A nurse gives a patient a diabetes test. PA
A nurse gives a patient a diabetes test. PA
A nurse gives a patient a diabetes test. PA

Health

About 250,000 UK adults ‘do not know they have diabetes’

If all adults were tested for the condition, undiagnosed cases could be identified two years earlier

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

November 22, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

About 250,000 middle-aged people in the UK do not know they have type two diabetes, research suggests.

All adults aged between 40 and 70 should be screened for the condition, say researchers, as receiving help earlier could reduce risk of complications from the disease.

Currently, only high-risk adults are offered a blood test to check for the presence of type two diabetes during the National Health Service check, the academics said.

READ MORE

Stress and lack of sleep can lead to undiagnosed diabetes, experts say

But if every adult was offered the test, undiagnosed cases of the condition could be identified two years earlier, the research team wrote in Diabetologia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

The team, led by Dr Katie Young from the University of Exeter, wanted to assess whether people would get a diagnosis faster if the blood test was routinely used in the NHS check.

Foods that help to tackle diabetes - in pictures

People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.
People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.
Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National
Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National
Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National
Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National
Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto
Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto
Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.
The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.
The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.
Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National
Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National
Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.
Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.

They looked at information on people taking part in the UK Biobank study who had been given a HbA1c blood test when they signed up.

This was then linked to GP records to see whether patients already had a diagnosis of diabetes.

About 7.3 per cent of those who had the test already had the condition diagnosed.

Among 167,000 people who did not have a diagnosis of type two diabetes, about 1 per cent had undiagnosed diabetes.

People taking part in the study were tracked for 10 years.

5 ways to prevent diabetes - in pictures

Maintain a healthy body weight ... One of the leading causes of diabetes is obesity, so keeping a healthy weight for your height is vital.
Maintain a healthy body weight ... One of the leading causes of diabetes is obesity, so keeping a healthy weight for your height is vital.
Move more ... Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five or more times a week. Walking is great.
Move more ... Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five or more times a week. Walking is great.
Right fuel ... Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, while avoiding fried and sugary foods.
Right fuel ... Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, while avoiding fried and sugary foods.
Quit smoking ... Stopping smoking won’t just be helpful in preventing diabetes, it will do wonders for your overall health – and the health of those around you.
Quit smoking ... Stopping smoking won’t just be helpful in preventing diabetes, it will do wonders for your overall health – and the health of those around you.
Get checked ... If you are at risk of developing diabetes, have regular check-ups with your doctor.
Get checked ... If you are at risk of developing diabetes, have regular check-ups with your doctor.

“Our population-based study shows that HbA1c screening in adults aged 40–70 years can reduce the time to diabetes diagnosis by a median of 2.2 years, compared with routine clinical care,” the authors wrote.

“The findings support the use of HbA1c screening to reduce the time for which individuals are living with undiagnosed diabetes.”

The researchers said there are about 25 million adults aged 40-70 years living in the UK today without a diagnosis of diabetes.

So if the findings can be extrapolated, up to 250,000 adults in this age group have undiagnosed diabetes, which could be detected by HbA1c-based screening, they said.

How to eat your way to good health - in pictures

Avocados: These are high in fat with 60 per cent of this being monounsaturated fats. With a proven ability to lower cholesterol and quell hunger pangs, the avocado is arguably one of only a few perfect foods to lose weight.
Avocados: These are high in fat with 60 per cent of this being monounsaturated fats. With a proven ability to lower cholesterol and quell hunger pangs, the avocado is arguably one of only a few perfect foods to lose weight.
Chia seeds: These seeds are full of omega-3, which is essential for allowing movement of all things, including fat, from one cell to the next. In this way omega-3 is crucial for allowing you to burn fat that is already stored in your body. Chia is also fibre-rich, supporting optimal elimination, another key ingredient for weight loss. iStockphoto.com
Chia seeds: These seeds are full of omega-3, which is essential for allowing movement of all things, including fat, from one cell to the next. In this way omega-3 is crucial for allowing you to burn fat that is already stored in your body. Chia is also fibre-rich, supporting optimal elimination, another key ingredient for weight loss. iStockphoto.com
Raw cacao: One of the best weight-loss foods in the world, raw cacao is one of the richest sources of magnesium, a vital mineral for optimal functioning of numerous systems within your body, including endocrine, nervous and digestive. It also balances blood sugar, provides energy and gives your mood a boost while helping to suppress excessive appetite. iStockphoto.com
Raw cacao: One of the best weight-loss foods in the world, raw cacao is one of the richest sources of magnesium, a vital mineral for optimal functioning of numerous systems within your body, including endocrine, nervous and digestive. It also balances blood sugar, provides energy and gives your mood a boost while helping to suppress excessive appetite. iStockphoto.com
Seaweed: Seaweed is packed with minerals and extremely detoxifying, but the main ingredient here that is essential for lightness is iodine. Iodine is required by your thyroid to function properly; without iodine your thyroid becomes underactive and your metabolism suffers. Seaweeds are abundant in this mineral, especially kelp, nori and wakame, not forgetting the algaes too, such as chlorella and pirulina, which are powerful for overall health and weight loss. Courtesy iStockphoto.com
Seaweed: Seaweed is packed with minerals and extremely detoxifying, but the main ingredient here that is essential for lightness is iodine. Iodine is required by your thyroid to function properly; without iodine your thyroid becomes underactive and your metabolism suffers. Seaweeds are abundant in this mineral, especially kelp, nori and wakame, not forgetting the algaes too, such as chlorella and pirulina, which are powerful for overall health and weight loss. Courtesy iStockphoto.com
Coconut: For weight-loss, try cold-pressed coconut oil. Taking a tablespoon a day has been shown to boost the function of the liver, which speeds up fat metabolism while increasing thyroid function. iStockphoto.com
Coconut: For weight-loss, try cold-pressed coconut oil. Taking a tablespoon a day has been shown to boost the function of the liver, which speeds up fat metabolism while increasing thyroid function. iStockphoto.com
Kale: Kale is packed with nutrients that help to balance blood sugar and provide vital mineral and phytonutrient support that actively creates lightness in your body through cleansing and detoxification. iStockphoto.com
Kale: Kale is packed with nutrients that help to balance blood sugar and provide vital mineral and phytonutrient support that actively creates lightness in your body through cleansing and detoxification. iStockphoto.com
Almonds: These nuts have been clinically proven to aid weight loss among those who snack on a handful a day. The protein helps keep you feeling satisfied, meaning you crave less food, while the mineral and essential fatty acid content boosts metabolism and aids digestion of fat. iStockphoto.com
Almonds: These nuts have been clinically proven to aid weight loss among those who snack on a handful a day. The protein helps keep you feeling satisfied, meaning you crave less food, while the mineral and essential fatty acid content boosts metabolism and aids digestion of fat. iStockphoto.com

“This research provides clear evidence of delays in the diagnosis of type two diabetes and suggests that tests of average blood sugar levels at population level could help to pick up cases of type two diabetes sooner than they otherwise would be," said Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK.

“Early diagnosis is the best way to avoid the devastating complications of type two diabetes, and offers the best chance of living a long and healthy life with type two diabetes.

“Type two diabetes can sometimes go undetected for up to 10 years, which can lead to serious complications.

“While the symptoms of type two diabetes can sometimes be tricky to spot in the early stages, it’s important to know the signs to look out for, including being thirsty, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and passing urine more often.

"If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. “

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
On Women's Day
Star%20Wars%3A%20Episode%20I%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Phantom%20Menace
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Big%20Ape%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20LucasArts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20PlayStation%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes). 

Updated: November 23, 2022, 1:28 PM`
UKDiabetes