More than one in thirteen people across Harrow and Brent have diabetes, it has emerged.
Both the London boroughs have large Asian communities, which are more vulnerable to the disease, and last year it was reported that child obesity across north west London was alarmingly high .
With diabetes prevalence now at just over 8 per cent in the boroughs, this represents a sharp increase from 6.4 per cent in Brent and 6.7 per cent in Harrow across 2008 and 2009. The national average is just over 6 per cent.
Treating diabetes is now costing the NHS over £800million a year, a 56 per cent rise since the 2005/2006 financial year, and both Harrow and Brent's councils have identified tackling the issue as a priority.
But earlier this year, Brent were criticised for proposing to open an ice cream stand within its own Civic Centre.
What do you think should be done to tackle diabetes? Email reporter John Shammas on john.shammas@trinitymirror.com or comment below.
