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.

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.

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.

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."