Diabetes Shocker

A NEW case of diabetes is diagnosed every three minutes in the UK, figures have revealed.

The number of people developing the condition is soaring faster than ever, the charity Diabetes UK say.

Figures show that almost 150,000 people were diagnosed in 2008 - up from 100,000 the previous year.

But the charity estimate the number of new cases could be as high as 180,000.

The majority of people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes - which is linked to poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity.

Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, blindness and, kidney failure.

Charity boss Douglas Smallwood said: "People need to be supported to eat more healthily, lose weight and be more physically active."

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