CASES of diabetes in Dorset have soared, figures show - with obesity being the greatest risk of people developing the condition.

Statistics from charity New Diabetes UK show diagnoses of the metabolic disease, a serious condition where blood glucose levels are too high, has increased in Dorset by nearly 2,000 - from 44,177 to 45,992 since last year.

The charity’s figures show that over 4.9 million people are currently living with diabetes in the UK, with 90 per cent of those with type 2.

However, research has shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions - including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss - can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50 per cent.

Diabetes UK has released this new analysis to mark Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week - from May 10-16 – a joint initiative between Diabetes UK, Public Health England and NHS England.

This year’s campaign focuses on raising awareness of the risk factors contributing to developing type 2 diabetes - and the steps people can take to reduce this risk.

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.

The charity estimates there are more than 13.6 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK.

At this rate, Diabetes UK predicts the number of people with diabetes, including the undiagnosed population, is expected to rise to 5.5 million by 2030.

Research shows obesity is the greatest risk factor, and accounts for more than 80 per cent of someone's risk of developing the condition, and previous data from Diabetes UK revealed that the number of people living with obesity in England has almost doubled in the last 20 years from 6.9 to 13 million.

The charity has said by understanding personal risk, it is possible for people to access support to help them take steps to reduce their risk.

Diabetes UK is therefore encouraging everyone to complete Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool.

Phaedra Perry, spokeswoman for Diabetes UK south west, said: "This Diabetes Prevention Week, we want to help people understand their personal risk of type 2 diabetes."

The visit the online Know Your Risk Tool, search: www.riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start

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