Prevalence of disease – trends, projections, risk factors and actions

In 2023, we have embarked on a new programme of work which explores: 

• Disease trends 
• 10-year disease projections 
• Risk factor trends 
• The impact of these on costs to the health system 

This builds on and updates Health and its determinants in Wales (2018). Our analysis will drive our priorities. Topics we will explore include: 

• Diabetes prevalence – trends, risk factors, and 10-year projections
• A summary of prevalence of non-communicable disease and cancer incidence in Wales – trends and 10-year projections
• A summary of trends for risk factors for non-communicable diseases
• Cardiovascular disease - trends and 10-year projections
• Respiratory disease - trends and 10-year projections
• Musculoskeletal disease - trends and 10-year projections  
• Cancer 
• Smoking
• Mental health 

We will add further information as the work progresses. This includes information on how we are working with our partners across the system to bring together evidence-based action to improve the health and well-being of the people of Wales. 

Feedback 

We welcome feedback on this or on any of our other work at Publichealthwalesobservatory@wales.nhs.uk 

Useful links  

• All-Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme 
• Diabetes (PHW) 
• Health and its determinants in Wales, 2018 
• Diabetes NHS 11 Wales (external site) 
• Diabetes UK (external site) 
• Know Your Risk (external site): a tool to find out your level of risk of developing Type 2 diabetes 
• Let’s prevent diabetes (external site): a link for anyone who is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and would like to know more 
• MyDESMOND (external site): diabetes self-management digital platform free to access for everyone in Wales who lives with Type 2 diabetes.