Type 2 diabetes epidemic, driven by the obesity crisis, is WORSE than experts feared – with 5 million set to be diagnosed by 2020

THE type 2 diabetes epidemic is worse than previously feared - with experts predicting five million Brits are expected to suffer from the condition by 2020.

The news comes as a study by data analysts at EXASOL found prescriptions for type 2 diabetes have rocketed by a third in just five years - a direct result of Britain's obesity crisis.

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Doctors in England handed out 35 million diabetes-related prescriptions in 2015, compared to around 26.5 million in 2011.

Meanwhile, the number of patients requiring a second-line treatment, such as the drug Sitagliptin, has doubled.

This suggests people with type 2 diabetes need stronger medications than ever before, as they are unable to control their symptoms with diet and exercise or standard drugs such as Metformin.

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Previous research predicted the UK would be home to five million type 2 diabetes sufferers in  by 2025.

But the new figures from the beginning of this year show there are already 3.5 million patients living with the condition in the UK - leading experts to suggest the initial estimate will soon be exceeded, way ahead of schedule.

The highest number of prescriptions were given out in the London Borough of Newham - where rates of type 2 diabetes are more than double the national average.

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Meanwhile, the Lincolnshire districts of East Lindsey and South Holland are also hotspots for type 2 diabetes prescriptions.

Commenting on the findings, Sean Jackson, of EXASOL, said: "When analysing the data, we can see the proof that diabetes prescribing has increased drastically over the past five years.

"Type 2 Diabetes is an enormous threat and by uncovering insights using big data shows the factual reality of the problem and steps can begin to be taken to reduce the threat."