NEW research released today shows more than 50,000 people in Bradford are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to early death if not detected.

The Public Health England figures show 12.2 per cent of people - or 50,134 - aged over 16 in the district have blood sugar levels which could lead to them being diagnosed with the condition.

The risk rate is the joint highest in West Yorkshire, with Calderdale, and above the national average of 11.2 per cent.

In Kirklees, 11.5 per cent, or 39,702 people are at risk, compared to 19,584 - 12.2 per cent - in Calderdale and 64,377 - 10.2 per cent - in Leeds.

Nationally, Type 2 diabetes causes 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS £8.8 billion every year.

"Diabetes is a huge concern. As we know, diabetes is on the rise," said Dr Sohail Abbas, GP lead for diabetes at Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said.

"Early diagnosis and prevention is quite important if we want to have a healthier population."

The figures have been compiled for the first time by Public Health England's National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network, using five years of data available from the Health Survey for England.

Higher diabetes risk rates are found in areas with large older or ethnic minority populations.

Lifestyle factors including weight, little exercise and diet help determine the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Bradford City CCG is one of seven across the country helping to develop the NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) to combat the rising threat of the condition.

It runs the Bradford Beating Diabetes (BDD) programme, which has worked with more than 12,000 people since March 2013.

"We identify people at high risk and refer them to these intensive lifestyle projects to help prevent them from getting diabetes in the future.

"We are seeing some excellent results and this is down to local GPs and the ILCP groups working with patients to help them make changes that can keep them healthy, whether they already have diabetes or are at risk of developing it."

After consulting with their GP, those found at high risk are offered a place on a 12-month intensive lifestyle change programme, provided by trained BDD champions recruited from the community.

The programme involves nine group sessions held over a year at venues across the city and supports people to make healthy lifestyle choices including advice on areas including healthy eating and stopping smoking.

BBD Champion Nazneen Baksh, 44, said there were a lot of diabetics in Bradford and the scheme had immediate benefits for them.

"It is good to help in anyway I can. I see a lot of changes in people at the sessions," she said.

"They become more active and eating healthier."