The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Caerphilly has increased by more than 400 in the past year pushing the total number to nearly 10,500, Diabetes UK Cymru has revealed.
New figures announced by the health charity show 446 people were told they had the condition in the area during the last year, meaning 10,499 people – one in 18 – are now diagnosed with diabetes in Caerphilly County Borough.
Around 90% of people with the condition have Type 2 diabetes, which is often, but not always, linked to being overweight and having a large waist.
In many cases, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables and is low in salt, fat and sugar.
Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “Once again diabetes cases have risen in Caerphilly with 446 people being diagnosed with the serious lifelong condition in the last year alone.
“Diabetes UK Cymru would like to see more action taken to alert people to the dangers of leading unhealthy lives and to highlight how a healthy, active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet can reduce people’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being aged 40 or more, or 25 or more for South Asian or black people, having a close family history of the condition, being overweight and having a large waist.
At risk waist measurements are 37 inches or more for men, or 35 inches or more for South Asian men, and 31.5 inches or more for women.
The symptoms of diabetes are going to the toilet (urinating) all the time especially at night, increased thirst, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and blurred vision.
For further information about diabetes, contact Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276, email wales@diabetes.org.uk or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/wales