Somerset has been revealed as a hotspot for diabetes, as new data reveals 37,000 people suffer from the condition across the county. The number of people living with diabetes in Somerset has increased from 35,500 last year.

New analysis by the charity Diabetes UK has shown that that across the South West, the highest prevalence of diabetes is in Somerset, where 7.6 per cent of the population are diabetic - higher than the national average.

The revelation come as the number of people with diabetes in the UK passes the five million mark, a figure Diabetes UK described as 'shocking.'

In a statement the charity said: "the shocking figure underlines why diabetes must be a key part of local health leaders’ plans and central to the Government’s forthcoming Major Conditions Strategy.

"The focus must be on preventing type 2 diabetes, supporting those at high risk and working to reduce health inequalities in communities where the prevalence of type 2 is worryingly higher than the general population, argues the charity.   

"The risk factors of type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex. They include age, family history and ethnicity, as well as living with overweight or obesity.

'Social deprivation is also an issue. Factors such as income, education, housing, access to healthy food, as well as poorer access to healthcare, have been shown to be strongly linked to an increased risk of developing several health conditions – including obesity and type 2 diabetes.  

"There are more than 2.4 million people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK and Diabetes UK is worried that the high numbers of people living with overweight or obesity across the country – currently 64% of adults in England – is translating into an increase in cases of type 2.

"Alarmingly, the condition is becoming increasingly common among those under the age of 40 and more prevalent in areas where there are higher levels of deprivation. While numbers of under 40s with type 2 diabetes remain a small proportion of total cases, it is known to have more severe and acute effects on younger people.   

"Without the right care and support, people with all types of diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications. Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure."

Phaedra Perry, Head of Diabetes UK – south west and south central, said: "Diabetes is serious, and every diagnosis is life changing. It’s a relentless condition, and the fear of serious complications is a lifelong reality for millions of people across the UK.    

“These latest figures show we’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis, with spiralling numbers of people now living with type 2 diabetes and millions at high risk of developing the condition. 

 “But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right care and support, cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission. What we need to see is the will, grit and determination from Government and local health leadersto halt this crisis in its tracks and improve the future health of our nation for generations to come.”