Inaction on diabetes has plunged the UK into a wholly avoidable crisis

Raised blood sugar is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes. Nine in 10 cases of the disease are type 2, which is often preventable through a healthy lifestyle. Photograph: Maskot/Getty

The warnings about a looming, large and potentially lethal diabetes crisis in the UK have been sounded for years. Tragically, there is no longer any need for warnings.

Diabetes UK’s grim report confirms the worst: 5 million people are now living with diabetes, a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.