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Leading charity Diabetes UK has carried out a new survey which reveals that more than 40% of UK diabetics with roots in the Indian sub-continent are suffering in silence and not telling anyone about their condition. This is putting their health at increased risk and leaving them feeling miserable.

Over 3,700 people with diabetes were surveyed by the charity. They found that 41% of Asian people had either kept their diabetes secret in the past or were continuing to do so. Amongst white people, the figure was 33%, which is also worryingly high.

Levels of diabetes in the UK’s Asian population are significantly higher than the national average, and South Asian people are 6 times as likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes compared with white people.

46% of Asians who had been secretive about their condition said their reticence had made the situation worse, compared with 27% of white people. 47% of Asians said they had suffered physically or emotionally as a result, compared with 22% of white people.

Nearly 30% of Asians said the reason for keeping their diabetes secret was a desire not to be seen as different, whilst 19% reported a fear of discrimination or bullying. 24% said they were worried about how their professional life would be affected, and 21% simply cited embarrassment.

67% of Asians reported not telling friends about their diabetes, and 50% had kept their family in the dark. For white people, the figures were 55% and 19% respectively.

A large number of respondents said that they skipped insulin injections or postponed testing their blood glucose levels to avoid being noticed. This poor diabetes management is putting them at increased risk of serious complications ranging from heart disease to blindness.

It is hoped that the survey will help spread awareness of the issue among the Asian population, reducing the likelihood of people experiencing discrimination or prejudice, and ultimately helping them to manage their condition effectively.

There are 2.8 million people currently diagnosed with diabetes in the UK.