THE number of young people in West Yorkshire with type 2 diabetes has risen by almost 20 per cent since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new figures.

NHS Digital statistics show 9,154 under-40s in the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board area were registered with type 2 diabetes as of the end of March this year. 

That figure was 7,710 in March 2020.

Across England, registrations rose by more than a third over the same period.

Professor Ketan Dhatariya, diabetes consultant and chair of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD), said people were less active during the pandemic. There is a close association between obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

Prof Dhatariya said: "The greatest risk factor of people under the age of 40 is undoubtedly obesity. And for younger people, diabetes is a much more aggressive disease.

"The complications that occur as a result of diabetes, such as eye disease, kidney and nerve disease, tend to occur much earlier among younger people, so it's especially important we can recognise and treat these people."

The Department of Health and Social Care said the Government aims to improve diabetes treatment "by shifting care from hospital to community" and focusing on prevention, rather than treatment.

A spokesperson added: "We know that preventative action can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which makes these increases totally unacceptable.

"We will ease the strain on the NHS by shifting from treatment to prevention, banning TV and online advertising of junk food to children, stopping fast food shops targeting school children and ending the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s."

According to the NHS, type 2 diabetes is a common condition which causes the level of sugar in the blood to become too high.

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because they may not always notice any symptoms.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

  • Peeing more than usual

  • Feeling thirsty all the time

  • Feeling very tired

  • Losing weight without trying to

  • Itching around the genitals or repeatedly getting thrush

  • Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal

  • Blurred vision

Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following routine blood tests.

However, people should see a GP straight away if they have any symptoms of diabetes or they are concerned about their risk.