Diabetes increases in Guernsey

According to new figures just released, the amount of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes on the Channel Island of Guernsey has gone up, amid increasing concerns about health levels on the island. Over the last two years, the number of patients that have been referred to special education classes about the metabolic disorder has risen by 16 per cent.
It has been reported that there had been a further rise in type 2 diabetes due to lack of general fitness among people on the island. The main factor behind the upsurge has been the large population of young people who are now overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 29.
Another contributory factor was the island’s ageing population, as older people are more likely to develop the condition.
There has been concern for some years about the increase in cases of diabetes on Guernsey, especially as type two diabetes is commonly associated with obesity . To reduce the chances of suffering from the condition, it is important to keep an eye on weight levels and to take exercise when possible.