CAMPAIGNERS are calling for more education on diabetes after it was revealed the number of cases in East Lancashire has risen by nine per cent over the past three years.

Diabetes UK has said the increase, observed from GP records, has mainly arisen through a spike in the number of Type Two diabetes, where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.

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Doctors’ statistics show that there are around 21,250 patients aged 17 or over with diabetes in East Lancashire, an increase of 954 in the past year.

Stephen Ryan, the northern head of Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is a killer. It’s a serious condition with serious, life-threatening complications. And it is the fastest-growing epidemic of our time.

“The more you know about diabetes, the better.

“Cutting your risk of developing devastating complications is crucial.

“You can talk things through with our specialist helpline team who really understand diabetes and make sure you’re getting all of the 15 vital checks and services you’re entitled to from the NHS.”

The charity has been staging roadshows in Blackburn and Accrington, in a bid to spread their message, in recent months.

People living in East Lancashire’s South Asian communities are among the high-risk groups, through lifestyle choices, for developing diabetes.

According to the charity, the incidences of diabetes are set to rise “dramatically” and has backed a “significant investment” in education surrounding causes, symptoms and treatments.

Mr Ryan said: “Three out of five cases of Type Two diabetes can be prevented or delayed through adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to reduce risk of developing the condition.”

In the past, the charity has pioneered specialist eye tests, which can detect miniscule changes in the development of the condition, reducing the number of cases where it leads to people becoming partially-sighted or blind.

In the most severe cases, diabetes can lead to amputations and promote heart failures and strokes.

The charity’s helpline, which is funded entirely with voluntary donations, can offer free information and advice about diabetes from trained counsellors and is available on 0345 123 2399.