New analysis shows that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Cornwall has increased from 30,471 to 31,237 since last year.

The new figures from Diabetes UK show that there are 3.8 million people living with a it in the UK and 90 per cent of those have Type 2. By 2030 it is predicted this number will rise to 5.5 million.

When Andrea Carter, 51, from Truro was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes nearly 20 years ago, it came as a shock. To help manage her condition, she goes to the gym and runs. She regularly enters 5 and 10k road races.

Andrea, who is an enforcement officer for Cornwall Council, said: “I wasn’t overweight when I was diagnosed, but Type 2 diabetes is in my family. I want to continue to exercise as it really helps keep my blood glucose levels stable.”

The symptoms, which involve going to the toilet a lot, being really thirsty, feeling more tired than usual and losing weight without trying, can be easy to miss, especially in the early stages.

The condition can go undetected for many years, and by the time they’re diagnosed, one in three people already have complications with their eyes, feet, kidneys or nerves.

With 12.3 million people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes UK wants to raise awareness of the risk factors so that people can take steps to look after their health and prevent or delay the onset of the condition and its serious complications.

Diabetes UK is recommending that everyone use the free Know Your Risk online tool to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and is urging people aged 40 or over to take up a free NHS health check.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West Regional Head, said: “Thousands of Type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented if we help people understand their risk and how to reduce it. It’s true that the older people get the more likely they are to have Type 2 diabetes, but it is never too early to know your risk so that you can make changes to prevent or delay it.

“The signs of Type 2 diabetes are often not obvious. That’s why spotting them early can be life-changing. 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.

“We urge people over 40 to get an NHS Health Check and we advise everyone to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with the Know your Risk tool.”

To find out your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore

To find out more about NHS health checks, go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/

For more stats and facts about diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/stats2019