A SURGE in the number of diabetes cases in Reading will lead to a sharp rise in the number of heart attacks and strokes by 2035, a charity has warned.

Research from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) indicates that the number of people failing to look after their health in the town has increased dramatically.

It is estimated that more than 12,000 people will be affected by diabetes by 2035, representing 8.4 per cent of the projected population.

The BHF believes lifestyle factors, such as obesity and poor diet, are the leading cause of conditions like Type 2 Diabetes.

Simon Gillespie, the charity's chief executive, said: “People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases and the expected surge in Type 2 Diabetes cases by 2035 could put thousands more people at risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke.

“We can only reverse this trend by taking bold action to tackle obesity and inactivity, especially amongst young people.

"This must include consideration of further regulatory action to reduce sugar and fat content in food, and to curb junk food advertising directed at young children.

“The food industry is not acting quickly enough to reformulate its products, despite mounting evidence of their impact on the nation’s health.”

People with diabetes are between two and four times as likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke than those without.

The most recent figures, for 2016-17, show that 59 per cent of adults in Reading were overweight, which is lower than the national average.

It is a similar situation among children, with one third of Year 6 pupils thought to be overweight and 18 per cent classified as obese.

Nearly four million people across England are currently living with diabetes, but the number is expected to exceed five million by 2035.

Dr Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at Public Health England, added: "Everyone can make important lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes. These include losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and cutting back on alcohol."