A charity partnership between Diabetes UK and Tesco has started a campaign to urge people to check their risk of type 2 diabetes. 

An online tool has been developed after there has been an acceleration of diagnoses in younger age groups. 

More than 16,900 people under-40 in North-West England are currently registered as living with type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that is known to have more severe and acute consequences in people under 40 and, without the right treatment and support, can lead to serious complications that include kidney failure and heart disease.

Clare Howarth is Head of North of England at Diabetes UK. She said: “This trend of rapidly-increasing early-onset type 2 diabetes is incredibly troubling. It marks a shift from what we’ve seen historically and should be taken as a serious warning to policymakers and our NHS.

“If you’re under 40, you’re not immune to type 2 diabetes. It is vital that you check your risk now and that individuals, no matter what their age or background, are given the opportunity to access support to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes."