By Fiona Callingham

Copyright birminghammail

Sandwell has been named as one of the worst areas in England for rates of a chronic health condition. It placed second for having the highest rates of type 2 diabetes, a potentially life-threatening illness if left untreated. Diabetes is a severe and typically permanent condition causing blood sugar levels to rise dangerously high. While the precise origins of type 1 diabetes remain unknown, type 2 diabetes may be connected to factors including excess weight and insufficient physical activity, though genetics also plays a role. NHS GP Doctor Tim Mercer has also warned that the condition may result in more “severe complications” as time progresses, encompassing cardiovascular disease, nerve deterioration, renal issues, sight impairment, and potentially dementia. His guidance follows fresh research identifying the English localities with the most elevated type 2 diabetes prevalence. All top 10 regions recorded figures considerably exceeding the national average of eight per cent. Utilising Department of Health and Social Care statistics , mobility furniture specialists Opera Beds analysed type 2 diabetes prevalence throughout England to identify the most severely impacted areas. Specifically, this information represented the estimated occurrence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among people aged 16 and over during 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 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. Birmingham city also made the list, will 10 per cent of residents affected. The regions are based on the local authority areas. Dr Mercer, collaborating with Opera Beds, explained: “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 offered some advice on how to reduce your risk of diabetes, however, he acknowledged that broader societal changes are also necessary. “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 added. “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.” The NHS identifies the most common symptoms of diabetes as: The NHS lists the most common symptoms of diabetes as: But it could also cause: If you experience any symptoms of diabetes, you should speak to your GP.