Action call as diabetes cases increase

The number of people living with type 2 diabetes in the North East increased by over 5,000 last year, according to new figures.

Diabetes UK says the 174,000 people with the condition in the region are among 4.9 million nationally – with 90% of those having type 2, which can be caused by poor dietary choices, obesity and lack of exercise.

The charity say that, for some people, lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%.

To mark Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, the charity is urgently encouraging people to complete the free online ‘know your risk’ tool.

In the North East, the area with the highest prevalence was Northumberland where 8.4 per cent of people were diagnosed with diabetes, followed by County Durham (8.1%), Sunderland (7.8%), South Tyneside and North Tyneside (7.7%) and Tees Valley (7.6%).

The new data shows a stark increase in the number of people living with a diabetes diagnosis in the UK – an increase of more than 150,000 from last year.

Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK said: “The number of people with diabetes is increasing year-on-year.

"As we look to the future post-Covid-19, preventing cases of type 2 diabetes must be a public health priority.”

The charity says that by understanding their own personal risk, it is possible for people to access support to help them take steps to reduce this.

For the free Diabetes UK ‘know your risk’ tool, visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ preventing-type-2-diabetes/ diabetes-risk-factors