Warning of diabetes threat to county's affluent households

More than 28,000 people, the equivalent of 3.5 per cent of the population, are known to have diabetes in North Yorkshire and in excess of 10 per cent of deaths in the county are linked to the condition.

Concerns are now growing among senior officials from the primary care trust, NHS North Yorkshire and York, that there is a hidden problem in the county of people who are ignorant to the fact they have the condition.

There are more than two million diabetics in the UK, but it is thought there are up to a further 500,000 sufferers unaware that they have the condition.

Dr Bruce Willoughby, a public health consultant at NHS North Yorkshire and York, has warned that affluent areas of the county are equally at risk as deprived neighbourhoods from the threat of diabetes.

"It is widely perceived that health resources are often targeted to the poorest parts of not just North Yorkshire, but the country as well.

"However, issues of a poor diet and a lack of exercise, which increase the risk of diabetes, are not confined to one section of society. People living more affluent lifestyles can also be guilty of leading sedentary lifestyles while eating rich, fatty foods as well as drinking too much.

"We need to raise people's awareness of diabetes and make sure that they are choosing both a healthier diet and a healthier way of life in general."

The threat of developing diabetes heightens from middle age, and North Yorkshire's ageing population is a particular concern. It is estimated there will be 50 per cent more people aged over the age of 65 living in the county by 2020, a quarter of the total population.

If uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to a loss of sight and sufferers having limbs amputated, and the condition can also act as a trigger for heart attacks and strokes.

It is caused by a lack of insulin, which is a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the blood. When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin helps to move any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. However, diabetics are unable to fully use the glucose in the blood stream.

Type two diabetes is far more common than Type One diabetes, which occurs when the body does not produce any insulin at all. About 95 per cent of all people with diabetes have type two, which is often associated with obesity.

Dr Willoughby said: "What you eat directly affects the level of glucose, fat and salt in your blood. People who choose a healthier diet that's high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in sugar, fat and salt have a reduced chance of developing diabetes.

"A poor diet can also lead to complications for diabetics.

"Physical activity is just as important as healthy eating as exercise helps to regulate blood glucose levels. It also helps your insulin work more effectively, reduces your weight, improves your blood cholesterol and helps to prevent heart disease."

Symptoms include an increased thirst, a frequent need to urinate especially at night, extreme tiredness and weight loss. Blurred vision, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush and the slow healing of wounds are also signs of diabetes.

Diabetics are recommended to undertake physical activity, such as a brisk walk, cycling, swimming or dancing, for at least 30 minutes each day.

This year's Diabetes Week, which is organised by the charity Diabetes UK, began yesterday and more information is available at www.diabetes.org.uk