Residents in Brent are the second most likeliest to develop type-2 diabetes in London because of an unhealthy lifestyle, it has been claimed.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Diabetes Champion Manjula Daley (Pic credit: Brent Council)Diabetes Champion Manjula Daley (Pic credit: Brent Council) (Image: Archant)

Figures revealed by Public Health England (PHE) shows 12.9 per cent of residents aged 16 and over have blood sugar levels that indicate they could develop the condition.

This equates to 32,951 people living in the borough.

Brent has the highest number of diabetic residents in London with more than 23,000 people in the borough living with the condition.

People living in neighbouring Harrow have the highest risk in London and the entire country with 14pc of residents being at risk.

Brent residents have the fourth highest risk in the country.

The report, compiled by PHE’s National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network (NCVIN), was commissioned by the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), which supports people to adopt a healthier lifestyle to avoid developing the condition.

Type-2 diabetes currently claims 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS £8.8billion every year.

It is preventable and can be combated by eating healthily, doing exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director for PHE, said: “Type 2 diabetes is a major problem for London. Many boroughs, because of the characteristics of the populations they serve, have prevalence rates amongst the highest in the country. Everyone can lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, by keeping to a healthy weight, exercising and eating healthily.

“PHE’s evidence review shows that actively supporting those who are currently finding this difficult and therefore at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes will help them protect their health.

“The National Diabetes Prevention Programme which is beginning its roll out is using this evidence to make sure we provide the best help we can.”

In February, Brent Council revealed its first 11 ‘Diabetes Champions’ who had taken part in a special programme so they can train others on how to improve their lifestyles and avoid developing the condition.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, said the programme aims to create a healthier borough.

Manjula Daley, from Wembley, who is one of the champions, said: “I have Type 2 diabetes myself which means I have to take medication and watch what I eat, monitoring my carbohydrates and sugars, but I don’t need to take insulin injections.

“Being a Diabetes Champion means that I can help make other people more aware of what diabetes is, what contributes to it, so that they look after themselves better and make healthier life choices.”