Number of people with diabetes in Fareham and Gosport increases by 12.3 per cent

That is the message from the MPs for Fareham and Gosport following figures which show the number of people with diabetes in the two towns has increased by 12.3 per cent in the last three years – the highest in the south-east.

The average national increase was 5.9 per cent.

The figures were released today by Diabetes UK as part of their campaign event Diabetes Week.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘Diabetes is a potentially very serious condition and it its prevalence locally is something that has concerned me for some time.

‘Last September I wrote to Fareham and Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) about the number of diabetes-related amputations in our area – particularly since so many cases are lifestyle related and potentially preventable.

‘They told me they were taking robust measures, including setting up a Diabetes Task Force.

‘However, these latest figures are very worrying. Clearly more needs to be done to both to prevent and improve treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.’

Fareham MP Suella Fernandes has also been working hard to try and get the figure down.

She added: ‘Diabetes is growing problem, and it’s concerning that in the Fareham and Gosport area we have seen such a large rise in reported cases.

‘I’ve been raising the issue with ministers since I was first elected last year, and have discussed the issue with local health organisations.’

Fareham and Gosport CCG, which commissions services in the towns, said the increase shows more people are being diagnosed early.

Dr Paul Howden, deputy chairman, said: ‘We are putting in great amounts of effort to increase our diabetes diagnosis rates to ensure we can provide people living with the condition with the support and treatment they need.

‘These figures show more people are being diagnosed early and getting this support which is a positive sign.

‘We are also working to reduce the number of people who develop the condition and are looking at how we can support people to live healthier lifestyles which can be a factor.’