THOUSANDS of people on Merseyside could be suffering from diabetes and not know it. Nearly 100,000 people in the north west may have the dangerous condition, experts warn. The region has the third highest levels of diabetes sufferers in the country, linked to the fact that Liverpool has the third fattest population in the country. Figures are expected to rise even further as experts predict three million people nationwide will have diabetes by 2010. Regional manager for charity Diabetes UK Julie Byron said: "The increase in diabetes is linked to diet. "I think the awareness of diabetes needs addressing on Merseyside and people need to be aware of the risk factors. " Too many people develop life-threatening complications because their diabetes is diagnosed too late. "There are many misconceptions about diabetes being a mild condition. Diabetes is serious." Diabetes occurs when the body cannot process glucose (sugar) and there are two versions: type one is insulin dependent diabetes, and is normally spotted at a young age; type two usually develops later in life and is triggered by factors such as being overweight. Type two diabetics can usually control their condition by controlling their diet - but late detection can be fatal. By the time some people are diagnosed 50% of them will have had a stroke, suffered blindness, developed heart disease or kidney failure. Out of the 1.8 million people with diabetes in the UK, 203,000 of those are in the north west. Julie Brake, specialist diabetic nurse at the Royal Liverpool university hospital, said: "To reduce the risk of developing diabetes in later life people need to follow a healthy diet by eating lots of fruit and vegetables, food that's low in salt and fat, and high in fibre. And to take exercise and keep active. Also smoking and diabetes don't mix at all. " People should be aware of the symptoms and if they are concerned visit their GP or practice nurse for a simple test." katemansey@liverpoolecho.co.uk Barbara lives life to the full > > > | 
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