London's Rising Sugar Levels

Almost half a million Londoners are living with Type 2 diabetes and the figure is set to increase exponentially over the coming years. Driven by genetic and lifestyle choices, the growing number of adults and young Londoners contracting Type 2 diabetes is putting ever more pressure on limited NHS services. Half of all Londoners are overweight or considered clinically obese, with children as young as seven now being diagnosed. In undertaking its review, the London Assembly Health Committee sought to tease out what was driving the increase in Type 2 diabetes across London, and how the delivery of diabetes care is managed and where improvements can be made in providing that care. Some of the report recommendations include;

· Set clearer targets for supermarkets and manufacturers to reduce the fat, sugar and salt content of foods and drinks.

· Develop common performance measures to assess how well care is being delivered.

· Tackle the rising obesity problem in the capital on a local level, supported by the Mayor.

· Instigate public education programmes to raise awareness and improve detection rates.

· Ensure better cohesion and coordination between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s) and Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWB’s).

London Assembly Diabetes Report from London Assembly