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New analysis released by Diabetes UK shows that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Yorkshire and Humber has increased from 315,406 to 324,846 since last year.
Bradford City has the highest prevalence of the condition in the UK with 10.7 per cent of people diagnosed with diabetes. In the wider Bradford District 8.1 per cent have been diagnosed with diabetes.
The charity said a dramatic increase in obesity rates is the main driver behind so many more people living with Type 2 diabetes in the UK – with three in five adults in England classed as overweight or obese.
Clare Howarth, Head of the North at Diabetes UK, said: “Thousands of Type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented if we help people understand their risk and how to reduce it. Even though the older people get the more likely they are to have Type 2 diabetes, it is never too early to know your risk so that you can make changes to prevent or delay it.
“The signs of Type 2 diabetes are often not obvious, that’s why spotting them early can be life-changing. Early diagnosis means that fewer people will experience diabetes-related complications such as sight loss, amputation, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease, because they could seek support to manage their condition effectively as soon as possible.
“We urge people over 40 to get an NHS Health Check and we advise everyone to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with the Know your Risk tool.”