CASES of diabetes in Derbyshire have nearly doubled in the last 10 years - due to a huge rise in obesity.

Figures released by health bosses show that the number of people over the age of 12 with the illness has jumped from 21,300 to more than 40,000 in a decade.

Janet Whitehead, who is head of diabetes treatment at NHS Derbyshire County, said that obesity was largely responsible for the ‘incredible’ rise in the condition.

She said: “The reason for the rise is down to a number of factors including better recording of patients and people being more aware of their health. But the biggest factor is obesity.”

This comes after the number of obese people in the county hit an all-time high earlier this year, with a quarter of people in Derbyshire falling into the category.

Figures show that of the 571,274 adults who live in the county outside of Derby, 142,000 are listed as obese.

People across the county are being urged to take part in screenings to check if they have diabetes.

Mrs Whitehead said: “A worst case scenario can see diabetics losing limbs, going blind or facing kidney failure.” There are two forms of diabetes. Type one normally develops in people under 40, as a result of a shortage of cells which produce insulin, which regulates the blood sugar levels. Type two is more common, usually affects people aged over 40 and is strongly linked to obesity.

Obesity can result in high blood sugar levels, putting people at risk of developing type two diabetes.

Before the illness develops, people can reduce their chances of getting the condition by leading a healthier lifestyle.

Diane Foster, 41, of Coton Park Lane, Linton, suffers with type two diabetes.

She said: “I was diagnosed with the condition around two years ago and would urge everyone to get checked out if they have any concerns.

“I was overweight, but now I am eating better, exercising and using medication to control the problem.” It is estomated that obesity cost the NHS in Derbyshire more than £190 million in the financial year to April 2009, while in the same period more than £12 million was spent on treating diabetes.

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by ROB SMYTH
burtonmail.co.uk