MORE than 25,000 people in Wiltshire were diagnosed with diabetes in 2017/18 - an increase of nearly 1,000 people since the previous year.

According to a new analysis released by Diabetes UK, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Wiltshire has increased from 24,933 to 25,855.

Additionally, one in ten people in the UK over 40-years-old is now living with type two diabetes.

The charity revealed there are almost one million people living with type two diabetes who are unaware because they haven’t been diagnosed, meaning a total of 4.7 million people are living with the condition in the UK.

And by 2030 it is predicted this number will rise to 5.5 million.

Symptoms of diabetes include going to the toilet often, being really thirsty and feeling more tired than usual, and losing weight without trying, so can be easy to miss in early stages.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West regional head, said spotting the signs of type two diabetes early could be “life changing”, adding: “Thousands of type two diabetes cases could be prevented if we help people understand their risk and how to reduce it.

“Early diagnosis means that fewer people will experience diabetes-related complications such as sight loss, amputation, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease, because they can seek support earlier to manage their condition effectively.”

Obesity is one of the single major driving forces behind diabetes, so healthy eating and exercise are two parts of a lifestyle that can help prevent or delay developing the condition.

In light of the latest findings a new website has been launched to provide support and advice for people currently living with type two diabetes in Wiltshire, developed by Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and doctors from across the county.

Ted Wilson of Wiltshire CCG said: “[The website] provides lots of helpful information to better understand diabetes diagnosis and practical advice on how to manage [the] condition.”

For more information visit the diabetes wellbeing website.