Warning over 10 areas of England worst hit by chronic disease

A doctor has issued a warning as new figures show the 10 areas of England with the highest rates of a chronic disease. According to the data, some regions have significantly more people living with diabetes, a condition that can prove fatal if not treated.

Diabetes is a serious and often lifelong condition that causes blood sugar levels to become excessively high. While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unclear, type 2 diabetes can be linked to factors such as being overweight and not getting enough exercise, although it can also be hereditary.

NHS GP, Doctor Tim Mercer, also cautioned thatthe condition can also lead to more “severe complications” over time, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, vision loss, and even dementia. His advice comes as new research has revealed the English areas with the highest type 2 diabetes rates, with the top 10 all reporting rates significantly above the national average of eight percent.

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Using figures from the Department of Health and Social Care, mobility furniture experts Opera Beds examined type 2 diabetes rates across England to uncover the areas most affected. More specifically, this data was the estimated prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in those aged 16 and above in 2021.

It showed that Leicester has the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes in England, with 11.1 per cent of its population affected. Around 62.9 per cent of adults in the area are overweight or obese.

Leicester is also the 18th most income-deprived area in the country. Opera Beds warned that in deprived areas, residents often have limited access to affordable healthy food, healthcare and leisure facilities, all factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Sandwell near Birmingham has the second-highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes in England, with 10.5 per cent of its population affected. The area also records one of the highest obesity rates in the country, with 71.6 per cent of adults classed as overweight or obese, ranking 19th nationally.

In addition, 21.5 per cent of the population is income-deprived, making the area ninth most deprived in England. Wolverhampton and Brent round out the top three, with both areas reporting a type 2 diabetes rate of 10.4 per cent.

Wolverhampton has an adult obesity rate of 68.7 per cent and is the 11th most income-deprived area in England, with 21.1 per cent of its population affected. Brent has an obesity rate of 61.3 per cent and 15.5 per cent of residents are classed as income-deprived.

10 areas with the worst rates of type 2 diabetes

The regions are based on the local authority areas.

Leicester - 11.1 per cent

Sandwell - 10.5 per cent

Wolverhampton - 10.4 per cent

Brent - 10.4 per cent

Blackburn with Darwen - 10.2 per cent

Redbridge - 10.1 per cent

Harrow - 10.1 per cent

Torbay - 10 per cent

Birmingham - 10 per cent

Isle of Wight - 9.8 per cent

Hounslow - 9.8 per cent

Dr Mercer, working with Opera Beds, commented: “Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough, or develops resistance to, insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Increased blood sugar levels can trigger several symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue and blurry vision.

“It can also lead to more severe complications over time, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, vision loss and dementia.” He shared some ways to help lower your risk of diabetes.

However, he acknowledged that wider societal change is also needed. “While small lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting good quality sleep and maintaining a healthy weight, can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, wider action is essential,” he continued.

“Policies that address all determinants of health, such as poverty, living conditions, dietary education, green spaces and opportunities for exercise are necessary to have a longer-lasting impact on reducing type 2 diabetes rates.”

Symptoms of diabetes

The NHS lists the most common symptoms of diabetes as:

• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Urinating more than usual
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying

But it could also cause:

• Nerve damage and foot problems – diabetes can cause damage to nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
• Sight problems
• Gum disease

If you experience any symptoms of diabetes, you should speak to your GP.