Child type 2 diabetes referrals in England and Wales jump 50% amid obesity crisis

Protesters gather outside Downing Street in May to object to the government's delay in implementing its anti-obesity strategy. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Rex/Shutterstock

The number of children being treated at paediatric diabetes units (PDUs) in England and Wales has increased by more than 50% amid a “perfect storm” of rising obesity levels and the cost of living crisis, health leaders have said.

Diabetes UK said alarming obesity levels among children had led to a “concerning climb” in the number diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and predicted that the cost of living crisis could lead to further problems in the years to come.