MORE than 16,000 residents in Worcestershire are now diabetic - and the figure is set to soar as the nation becomes increasingly obese, a charity has warned.

And there could be up to 8,000 county people who are living with the condition but have not been diagnosed, according to the new statistics revealed by Diabetes UK, which also believes a growing, ageing population will add to rising levels of diabetes.

Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of the national charity, said: "The number of people with diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate.

"This will continue to place a growing strain on local health services.

"The challenge now is to ensure that all people with diabetes are diagnosed early and treated effectively.

"Many of the worst effects of diabetes can be avoided. We cannot afford to wait until people have heart attacks or have problems with their sight or kidneys before they get the care they need."

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot convert the glucose in blood into energy because the hormone insulin, which enables this to take place, is either not produced or does not work properly.

Diabetes UK, which funds medical research and provides information and support to people with the condition, has now published a report highlighting its findings and calling for more support for sufferers.

The report, Diabetes in the UK 2004, also looks at the impact of the long-term effects of diabetes, publishing the extent to which these problems could be avoided with more effective treatment.

Dr Sue Roberts, national clinical director for diabetes, said: "The challenge that the growing numbers of people with diabetes present to the NHS, and as confirmed by this report, are well known."