NEARLY 150,000 people across Hampshire are at a high risk of contracting diabetes, new figures reveal.

NHS data show that one in ten people in the county are in danger of falling victim to the potentially deadly Type 2 diabetes.

Health bosses and doctors in the region are warning families they must embrace a healthier lifestyle in a race against time to combat it.

A flagship Public Health England (PHE) report shows 129,705 Hampshire people are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes - the equivalent of 11.7 per cent of the population.

Nationally five million people are in danger - including 794,171 in the South East.

The statistics were compiled by PHE's National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network (NCVIN) highlighting the number of over 16s who suffer from a raised blood sugar condition called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, which can lead to Type 2 in later life.

The report goes on to say that Type 2 causes 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS £8.8 billion a year - 10 per cent of its budget.

It comes ahead of a flagship NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme being rolled out next year to help them lose weight and adopt a healthier diet and more active lifestyle.

The study estimates the potentially life-saving scheme could prevent 26 per cent of those at risk falling victim.

The nine month scheme – set to be rolled out nationally next year following consultation with practitioners, clinicians, academics and the public – can also help them shed 1.57kg more weight than without help, the report says.

Hampshire County Council health executive member Cllr Patricia Stallard said: “Once someone has diabetes they have it for life. Being a healthy weight and physically active means you are much less likely to get diabetes. "Although it relies on the choices we make - it doesn’t have to be difficult to do. We commission services that can help you."

Dr Michael Baker, deputy director of healthcare at PHE South East, admitted that losing weight, exercise and eating healthily may be difficult but is key to winning the battle.

He added: "PHE’s evidence review shows that supporting people along the way will help them protect their health and that’s what our prevention programme will do.”

Figures released in June showed 60,313 adults registered with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in 2013/14, an increase of 1,205 adults compared to the previous year.

There were also 11,545 people registered in the NHS Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group area with both in 2013/14, up 309 on the previous year.