TODAY on World Diabetes Day 65 people in the UK will die early from the condition and hundreds more people face life-changing complications, new analysis by Diabetes UK reveals, underlining the scale and seriousness of the diabetes crisis.

In the last three years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in Cumbria has increased by more than 10 per cent, due largely to a rise in Type 2 diabetes.

GP records show there are now 31,467 registered patients with diabetes aged 17 and older - an increase of 751 people in the last year alone. Around 80 per cent of cases are preventable.

The figures also reveal that 203 people have experienced heart failures and 78 have had strokes, while 39 people need dialysis or kidney transplants.

Complications like these can often be avoided or delayed if people with diabetes are supported to manage it well.

Type 2 diabetes is often attributed to diet and obesity which has been targeted heavily in recent years by doctors.

Dr Geoff Jolliffe, clinical chairman for NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Sugar is a major cause of obesity and that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, strokes and countless other health complications. You have to be aware that it is difficult to reverse the effects of sugar once the damage is done."

Diabetes UK is calling on the government and NHS to address low take-up of life-saving diabetes education courses. The charity suggests a target of at least one in two people with the condition taking part by 2020.

Stephen Ryan, head of the north at 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 will make sure you’re getting all of the 15 vital checks and services you’re entitled to from the NHS."

The introduction of a sugar tax is something that has been high on government agendas and this is fully back by GPs all over the UK.

Dr Jolliffe said: "We are already heading for an explosion of diabetes unless things change.

"Not many people realise that sugar is very addictive. Sugary drinks and food are part of the bad diets that we have and we need to do something about it. The government needs to take action on this."